Umshiang Double-Decker Root Bridge
In India, a place called Meghalaya has some amazing bridges. They are not tall, with majestic, soaring towers. They don't extend miles. They are not futuristic. They are extremely simple bridges, but they are amazing. These bridges are alive.
Made of rubber trees, these bridges are created with patience. A sliced-up trunk from a betul nut tree is used to guide the roots of the rubber plant. The roots grow, directed by their betul channels, until they reach the other side of the gap. The rubber tree grows, until it is strong enough to walk on. This can take ten to fifteen years. Eventually, stones are placed on the roots, making a path. The roots grow around the stones and each other, strengthening the bridge.
These bridges only get stronger over time as the trees keep growing. They require little to no maintenance. Some bridges are estimated to be over five hundred years old. The bridges can be one hundred feet long and support the weight of fifty people.
The Umshiang Double-Decker Root Bridge consists of two bridges, with one above the other. These bridges show innovation. Using something that readily grows in the wet Indian environment, the rubber tree, people have made strong, lasting structures.
Made of rubber trees, these bridges are created with patience. A sliced-up trunk from a betul nut tree is used to guide the roots of the rubber plant. The roots grow, directed by their betul channels, until they reach the other side of the gap. The rubber tree grows, until it is strong enough to walk on. This can take ten to fifteen years. Eventually, stones are placed on the roots, making a path. The roots grow around the stones and each other, strengthening the bridge.
These bridges only get stronger over time as the trees keep growing. They require little to no maintenance. Some bridges are estimated to be over five hundred years old. The bridges can be one hundred feet long and support the weight of fifty people.
The Umshiang Double-Decker Root Bridge consists of two bridges, with one above the other. These bridges show innovation. Using something that readily grows in the wet Indian environment, the rubber tree, people have made strong, lasting structures.
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