Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="mmaxx" data-source="post: 10930815" data-attributes="member: 35065">Deep in the rainforests of the Indian state of Meghalaya, bridges are not built, they’re grown. Ancient vines and roots of trees stretch horizontally across rivers and streams, creating a solid latticework structure strong enough to be used as a bridge.<img src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/09/09/article-0-0DC4466600000578-957_964x516.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" />Some of the bridges are over a hundred feet long and can support the weight of fifty or more people. The Cherrapunji region is one of the wettest places in the world with many fast-flowing rivers and streams, making these bridges invaluable to those who live in the region.<img src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/09/09/article-0-0DC446D300000578-83_964x603.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" />Since the area receives around 15 metres of rain every year, a normal wooden bridge would quickly rot. But because the growing bridges are alive and still growing, they actually gain strength over time. <img src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/09/09/article-0-0DC448C100000578-19_964x566.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" />For more than 500 years locals have guided roots and vines from the native Ficus Elastica (rubber tree) across rivers, using hollowed out trees to create root guidance systems. When they roots and vines reach the opposite bank they are allowed to take root. In time, a sturdy living bridge is produced. Some can take ten to fifteen years to become fully functional.</blockquote>

Verification: Nawa warak dahaya keeyada? (Namaya wadi kireema dahaya)

Top Bottom