Meghalaya’s iconic living root bridges, known locally as Jingkieng Jri, have progressed further on the path towards international recognition with India formally submitting the nomination dossier of “Jingkieng Jri / Lyu Chrai Cultural Landscape, Meghalaya” to UNESCO for consideration for inscription on the World Heritage List in the 2026–27 evaluation cycle. The submission brings one of India’s most distinctive Indigenous cultural landscapes into the global heritage assessment process, drawing attention to traditions that have evolved and endured over centuries.
The nomination dossier was submitted on January 27, 2026, by Vishal V. Sharma, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to UNESCO, to Lazare Assomo Eloundou, Director of UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre, marking an important stage in India’s efforts to seek international recognition for its living cultural heritage.
While submitting the dossier, Ambassador Vishal V. Sharma thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad Sangma, Frederick Kharkongor, Principal Secretary (Meghalaya), officers of the Archaeological Survey India, the Ministry of External Affairs, experts and the local communities guarding the property for this historic nomination.
Located across the Khasi and Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, the nominated property represents an exceptional living cultural landscape shaped over centuries by Indigenous Khasi and Jaintia communities. The landscape reflects a deep-rooted and harmonious relationship between people, nature and spirituality, embodied in traditional systems of land use, governance and ecological stewardship, with the Indigenous worldview anchored in principles of respect, reciprocity and responsibility toward Mei Ramew (Mother Earth).
The submission of the nomination dossier underscores India’s commitment to recognising and preserving its rich cultural and natural heritage, particularly the living traditions and knowledge systems of Indigenous communities, while reinforcing its engagement with UNESCO in advancing global heritage conservation efforts.
