Guwahati, May 26 -- By NE NOW NEWS

Guwahati: Hally War from Meghalaya received the Padma Shri from President Droupadi Murmu on May 25 in recognition of his lifelong contribution to preserving the state's famed living root bridges.

Sharing the achievement, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said he felt honoured to witness the conservationist being presented with the prestigious civilian award by the President. Sangma recalled visiting Siej village and described himself as deeply moved by War's knowledge, humility and commitment towards environmental conservation.

A resident of Siej village in East Khasi Hills district, War has devoted decades to nurturing the aerial roots of rubber fig trees to create and preserve the traditional...