Meghalaya GK

1. In a particular region in India, the local people train the roots of l

In a particular region in India, the local people train the roots of living trees into robust bridges across the streams. As the time passes, these bridges become stronger. These unique ‘living root bridges’ are found in

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Meghalaya
Himachal Pradesh
Jharkhand
Tamil Nadu
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2015
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The unique ‘living root bridges’, locally known as Jing Kieng Jri, are found in the state of Meghalaya in Northeast India. They are created by the Khasi and Jaintia people by training the aerial roots of the Indian Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica) across streams and rivers. Over time, these roots grow thicker and stronger, forming robust, living bridges.
Living root bridges are a fascinating example of bioengineering and sustainable infrastructure, primarily found in the southern part of Meghalaya, known for its high rainfall and dense forests.
These bridges are naturally self-renewing and grow stronger with time, contrasting with man-made structures that require maintenance and eventually deteriorate. Some of these bridges are hundreds of years old. They are a significant cultural and ecological heritage site and a major tourist attraction in Meghalaya.

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2. After a ban on unscientific coal mining and transportation of coal in

After a ban on unscientific coal mining and transportation of coal in this region by the National Green Tribunal, many of those engaged in the activity have been switching to turmeric farming for their livelihood. The region referred above is

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Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya
Koriya, Chhattisgarh
Angul, Odisha
Bardhaman, West Bengal
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2016
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The correct answer is A) Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya.
The question describes a situation where a ban by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on unscientific coal mining led to people switching to alternative livelihoods like turmeric farming. This specific scenario is well-documented in the Jaintia Hills region of Meghalaya. Rat-hole mining, an unscientific and dangerous method of coal extraction, was rampant in Meghalaya. The NGT imposed a ban on this activity in 2014, citing severe environmental damage and lack of safety. Following the ban, many individuals previously involved in mining have indeed been encouraged and assisted to switch to agriculture, including cash crops like turmeric, as a viable alternative.
While coal mining occurs in the other mentioned regions (Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal), the ban by NGT specifically targeting *unscientific* mining methods like rat-hole mining and the widely reported shift to turmeric cultivation as an alternative livelihood is particularly associated with Meghalaya’s mining belt, which includes the Jaintia Hills. The ban and the subsequent socio-economic impact have been significant issues in the state.

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