Deciphering the Devastation of the Western Ghats: A study on Regional Documentaries

Sujitha S. K.
Research Scholar (Full-Time), Reg. No.:22113064012002,
Department of English, Lekshmipuram College of Arts and Science,
Neyyoor – 629802.

Dr. A. Xavier Chandra Bose
Research Guide and Supervisor, Associate Professor,
Department of English, Lekshmipuram College of Arts and Science,
Neyyoor – 629802.

Abstract
Western Ghats are renowned for its rich biodiversity and serve as a habitat for many species. UNESCO has recognised it as a global biodiversity hotspot due to the presence of endemic species in it and it plays a vital role in maintaining sustained ecology. However, due to industrialisation and urbanisation, it is gradually losing its vegetation and heritage. This paper aims to decode the dark side behind the devastation of the Western Ghats region stretching over Kerala and Tamil Nadu, highlighting the impacts of exploitation. This paper carries out through the lens of documentaries, illegal mining and the invasion of tourism in the sites of the Western Ghats and explores how it disrupts the biodiversity and its reflection in climate change and other disasters.

Keywords: Western Ghats, Mining, Tourism, Devastation, Climate change.