LEH: In a first-of-its-kind action, the Ladakh Administration has imposed hefty penalties on tourists found involved in illegal off-roading in ecologically sensitive areas, including Pangong Lake and protected wildlife zones.
The Wildlife Department of Ladakh imposed a penalty of ₹50,000 each on four vehicle owners for violating provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. The total penalty amounting to ₹2 lakh was recovered from offenders belonging to Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.
The action was taken after vehicles were found entering protected wildlife habitats in Changthang and Nubra areas. The vehicles were seized during investigations and released only after payment of the penalties.
The violations were detected during routine patrolling and through social media monitoring by wildlife officials. Cases were reported from Merak and Lukung along Pangong Lake, Nurboo La in Hanle and Sumur in Nubra Valley.
Lieutenant Governor Shri VK Saxena appreciated the action and urged tourists visiting Ladakh to act responsibly and remain environmentally conscious. He said that while Ladakh welcomes visitors, activities damaging fragile ecosystems and disturbing wildlife habitats cannot be allowed.
In one incident, a Mahindra Thar was found being driven into the waters of Pangong Lake near Merak on June 23 for stunt purposes. The vehicle was seized after the driver was found violating wildlife protection provisions.
In another case, a Hyundai Creta involved in off-roading near Lukung along Pangong Lake was intercepted and seized. Authorities also acted against a Mahindra Thar allegedly driven through a stream inside the Karakoram (Nubra-Shayok) Wildlife Sanctuary and a Toyota Fortuner spotted near Nurboo La in Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Lieutenant Governor warned that off-road driving inside or near protected areas is a punishable offence under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and strict action will continue against violators.
