Shillong, June 4, 2025, Virthli: The Meghalaya Cabinet has approved an amendment to the Meghalaya Heritage Act, 2012, aimed at strengthening the state's bid for UNESCO World Heritage recognition for its iconic Living Root Bridges.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma stated that the amendment is a crucial step in aligning the state's legal framework with the requirements of the UNESCO nomination. The revised Act will now include provisions that recognize and protect "Living Heritage" - such as the Living Root Bridges - as part of Meghalaya’s official heritage list.
Importantly, the amendment excludes land acquisition under the Act for such living heritage sites, in a move designed to preserve the traditional community land-holding system. The Act will also mandate the involvement of community representatives at multiple levels, ensuring inclusive governance and active participation by local stakeholders in heritage preservation.
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The move is seen as a key measure to highlight Meghalaya’s unique cultural and ecological identity on the global stage while respecting indigenous traditions.
