Page 14 - Mann ki Baat - English
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takes decades for them to take poses several challenges to
shape. The roots of rubber trees these root bridges. Amidst
are gradually guided in specific this, the people of Meghalaya
directions and trained to span have admirably shouldered the
across water streams. responsibility of preserving this
Over time, these roots natural heritage. Previously, it
transform into sturdy bridges. was not even easy to determine
These bridges possess another exactly how many such bridges
unique quality: they are living existed; the local people
bridges. They grow stronger with themselves took the initiative to
the passage of time. They reflect count them.
the creativity of the people of Subsequently, the
Meghalaya. These embody communities also took up the
years of patience and a deep responsibility of maintaining
respect for nature. These bridges these bridges. Today, local
demonstrate the amasing residents look after more
things humans can create in than 120 root bridges. Some
harmony with nature. They are a teams inspect the condition
heritage of our country and our of these bridges annually,
land. India has now applied to and some individuals have
have Meghalaya’s root bridges even established nurseries to
included in the UNESCO World strengthen the surrounding
Heritage Site Network. areas. An entire ecosystem has
Friends, climate change thus developed around their
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