Ladakh admin imposes ₹2 lakh fine on tourists for illegal off-roading in Pangong Lake, wildlife sanctuaries
Leh, June 28: In a first-of-its-kind crackdown on environmental vandalism in the strategically sensitive and ecologically fragile region of Ladakh, the Union Territory Administration has imposed a collective penalty of ₹2 lakh on four tourists for illegal off-roading in protected wildlife sanctuaries, including the iconic Pangong Lake.
An official said that acting on the directives of Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena, the Wildlife Department of Ladakh slapped a fine of ₹50,000 each on four vehicle owners from Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Chandigarh, and Uttar Pradesh. The offenders were found guilty of driving their SUVs into the waters of Pangong Lake and through protected streams in the Changthang Cold Desert and Karakoram (Nubra-Shayok) Wildlife Sanctuaries between June 17 and June 23.
The stringent punitive action was initiated after wildlife officials, through routine patrolling and social media surveillance, detected multiple violations. In one incident, a Mahindra Thar (PB-11DD-7773) was caught on June 23 performing stunts inside Pangong Lake near Merak. In another case, a video surfaced showing a Toyota Fortuner (HP-37H-7888) chasing a Tibetan Gazelle near Nurboo La in Hanle on June 17.
Following a thorough investigation, all four vehicles were impounded and released only after the fines were paid. Officials confirmed that the offenders have been prosecuted under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Reaffirming the administration’s “zero-tolerance” policy, L-G Saxena urged tourists to act as responsible guests. “While Ladakh welcomes visitors with open arms, the sanctity of its pristine ecosystem and endangered wildlife must not be compromised,” he stated, warning that strict action will continue against those violating environmental norms. (KNS)
