Taking stringent action against illegal off-roading and irresponsible tourist activities in ecologically sensitive areas, the Ladakh Administration, on the directions of Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, has for the first time initiated prosecution and imposed hefty penalties on offenders violating wildlife protection laws.

On June 26, the Wildlife Department of Ladakh imposed a penalty of ₹50,000 each on four vehicle owners found violating provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. The offenders, from Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, were penalised for illegally driving their vehicles into Pangong Lake and other protected wildlife areas in Changthang and Nubra.

A total penalty of ₹2 lakh was recovered from the four offenders, reaffirming the Administration’s commitment to protecting Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem, wildlife habitats, and natural heritage.

Cases of illegal off-roading, stunts, and reckless driving in sensitive landscapes have increased in recent times. However, this marks the first instance where strict penalties have been imposed against such violations. All four vehicles were seized after investigation and released only after the offenders deposited the penalty amount.

The action followed violations detected by wildlife officials during routine patrolling and through social media monitoring. The cases were reported from four locations under the Leh Wildlife Division—Merak and Lukung along the sensitive shores of Pangong Lake, Nurboo La in Hanle, and Sumur in Nubra Valley.

Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena reiterated that Ladakh welcomes visitors from across the country and the world but urged tourists to act responsibly and remain environmentally conscious. He cautioned that entering protected wildlife habitats not only disturbs endangered species and damages fragile ecosystems but also threatens the ecological balance and sanctity of these destinations.

In the latest incident on June 23, wildlife officials detected a Mahindra Thar (PB 11DD 7773) being driven into the waters of Pangong Lake near Merak for stunt purposes. The vehicle was seized after the driver was found prima facie guilty under the Wildlife (Protection) Act.

Similarly, on June 21, a Hyundai Creta (UP 81DD 4592) was intercepted and impounded after a video surfaced showing it being driven off-road near Lukung along Pangong Lake within the Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary.

Earlier, on June 20, a Mahindra Thar (PB-65BL-8698) was found driving through a stream inside the Karakoram (Nubra-Shayok) Wildlife Sanctuary. The vehicle was later traced and seized at Kharu on June 21.

Another case involved a Toyota Fortuner (HP 37H 7888), which was seen in a viral video being driven off-road near Nurboo La inside the Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary on June 17. The vehicle was traced with the help of police and seized from Hanle on June 18.

Following due proceedings, all four offenders paid the penalty of ₹50,000 each and their vehicles were released.

The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that off-road driving within or near protected areas is a punishable offence under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and warned that strict action will continue against violators.