Leh: In a first-of-its-kind enforcement drive aimed at protecting Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem, the Union Territory administration has imposed a Rs 50,000 fine each on four tourists for illegal off-roading inside protected wildlife areas, including the ecologically sensitive Pangong Lake region.

The Wildlife Department of Ladakh initiated the action on June 26 under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The four separate penalties amount to a total of Rs 2 lakh, marking the administration’s toughest action yet against tourists damaging protected habitats through off-road driving and stunt activities.

According to officials, the vehicle owners belonged to Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. All four vehicles were impounded during the investigation and released only after the fines were paid.

Crackdown on illegal off-roading

The administration said the move was intended to curb increasing incidents of tourists driving vehicles into protected wildlife habitats, streams and lakes for recreational purposes or social media content.

The violations were detected during routine wildlife patrols as well as through videos circulating on social media, prompting swift action by wildlife officials in coordination with local police.

The incidents occurred at four separate locations under the Leh Wildlife Division, including Merak and Lukung along the shores of Pangong Lake, Nurboo La in Hanle and Sumur in Nubra Valley.

Officials said this is the first time such stringent penalties have been imposed on offenders involved in illegal off-roading in Ladakh.

Pangong Lake among affected areas

One of the most serious incidents took place on June 23 when wildlife officials detected a Punjab-registered Mahindra Thar being driven into the waters of Pangong Lake near Merak.

According to officials, the driver deliberately entered the lake to perform stunts, causing damage to the fragile habitat and polluting the protected water body.

The vehicle was seized after the driver was found prima facie guilty of violating provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.

In another case on June 21, authorities intercepted a Uttar Pradesh-registered Hyundai Creta after a social media video showed it being driven off-road near Lukung inside the Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary. The vehicle was tracked and impounded at Zingral near Changla Pass on the same day.

Tourists chased wildlife, damaged habitats

Another Punjab-registered Mahindra Thar was found driving through a stream inside the Karakoram (Nubra-Shayok) Wildlife Sanctuary on June 20, damaging the ecological integrity of the protected area.

Following intelligence gathering with assistance from the police, officials traced and impounded the vehicle at Kharu the following day.

In a separate incident on June 17, a Himachal Pradesh-registered Toyota Fortuner was captured in a viral video driving off-road near Nurboo La inside the Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary. Officials alleged that the driver was chasing a Tibetan Gazelle, an endangered species protected under Indian wildlife laws.

Wildlife officials launched an overnight search operation in coordination with local police before tracing the vehicle outside a homestay in Hanle on June 18.

All four offenders later paid the penalties and secured the release of their vehicles.

LG urges responsible tourism

Lieutenant Governor V. K. Saxena reiterated that Ladakh warmly welcomes visitors from across India and around the world but urged tourists to practise responsible and environmentally conscious tourism.

He emphasised that off-road driving within or near protected wildlife habitats is a punishable offence under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and warned that strict action would continue against violators.

The Lieutenant Governor also appealed to tourists, adventure enthusiasts and vehicle owners not to disturb wildlife or damage fragile ecosystems in pursuit of recreational activities or social media content.

Protecting Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem

Ladakh’s unique high-altitude ecosystem is home to several rare and endangered species, including the Tibetan Gazelle, snow leopard, black-necked crane and Tibetan wild ass.

Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that unauthorised vehicle movement through wetlands, grasslands and water bodies can permanently damage delicate habitats, disturb wildlife breeding patterns and pollute sensitive ecosystems.

Officials said the latest enforcement drive reflects the administration’s commitment to preserving Ladakh’s biodiversity while promoting sustainable tourism.

The authorities have also warned that surveillance through patrolling and social media monitoring will continue, and any future violations will attract stringent legal action under the Wildlife (Protection) Act.