Overview

• The state missed its February 2025 submission window and now aims to file its World Heritage dossier by February 2026.
• Officials from UNESCO, INTACH, MBMA and Meghalaya’s culture and environment departments convened in Shillong on May 27 to steer the nomination process.
• Preservation efforts launched in 2018 under Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma include dedicated funding, community engagement and academic research.
• To date, 131 living root bridges have been documented across East Khasi Hills and West Jaintia Hills in five administrative blocks covering 73 villages.
• UNESCO will assess the indigenous bioengineering and cultural value of the bridges, with the World Heritage Committee set to decide in 2027.