The Ladakh Administration has taken unprecedented action against illegal off-roading in protected ecological zones by imposing penalties worth Rs 2 lakh on four tourists found driving through Pangong Lake and wildlife habitats. The move marks the first time such stringent financial penalties have been enforced in the Union Territory as authorities attempt to curb reckless tourist behaviour in environmentally sensitive areas.
Acting on the directions of Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, the Wildlife Department fined four vehicle owners Rs 50,000 each after they were found violating provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The offenders belonged to Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Chandigarh and Uttar Pradesh.
Vehicles caught entering protected wildlife zones
According to NDTV, the violations took place at multiple locations, including Merak and Lukung along Pangong Lake, Nurboo La in Hanle and Sumur in Nubra Valley. Wildlife authorities detected the incidents through routine patrols, social media monitoring and public reports.
Among the most serious cases was a Mahindra Thar that was allegedly driven directly into the waters of Pangong Lake for stunt videos, causing damage to the fragile ecosystem and polluting the lake. Another Hyundai Creta was intercepted after a video surfaced showing it being driven off-road inside the Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary.
Authorities also seized a Mahindra Thar that was filmed driving through a stream in the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary, while a Toyota Fortuner was reportedly caught chasing a Tibetan gazelle near Nurboo La. All four vehicles were impounded and released only after the penalties were paid.
The latest enforcement signals a shift towards stricter regulation of tourism in Ladakh. (ANI) Administration warns against irresponsible tourism
According to NDTV, the crackdown comes amid a noticeable rise in illegal off-roading and adventure stunts across Ladakh's protected landscapes. Officials said such activities not only damage delicate ecosystems but also disturb endangered wildlife that inhabits these regions.
Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena stressed that while Ladakh welcomes visitors from across India and abroad, tourists must respect environmental regulations. He urged travellers and adventure enthusiasts to avoid driving inside lakes, river streams and protected wildlife habitats, warning that strict enforcement will continue.
Also Read | Seychelles to roll out UPI by end of 2026, giving Indian travellers smoother digital payments
Protecting Ladakh's fragile ecosystem
According to NDTV, environmental experts have long expressed concern over the increasing number of vehicles entering ecologically sensitive zones for social media content and recreational driving. Such activities can damage breeding grounds, pollute water bodies and threaten rare Himalayan species.
The latest enforcement signals a shift towards stricter regulation of tourism in Ladakh. Authorities have made it clear that any form of off-road driving inside or near protected areas will invite legal action under the Wildlife (Protection) Act. The administration believes the tougher penalties will discourage irresponsible tourism while helping preserve Ladakh's unique natural heritage for future generations.
