Stepping up action against the growing menace of illegal off-roading in wildlife-protected areas, the Ladakh administration has imposed a fine of Rs 1.20 lakh, or Rs 10,000 each, on 12 motorcyclists for illegally entering ecologically sensitive areas near Tso Moriri.
Officials said another tourist driving an SUV near Pangong Lake was also fined Rs 50,000 for violating the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
According to an official statement, on July 4, wildlife officials found a group of 12 bikers belonging to Gurugram-based tour operator Wanderon Experiences Pvt Ltd riding off-road near Tso Moriri, an ecologically sensitive wetland within the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary. The group was found violating Section 29 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The offence under Section 54 was reduced upon payment of a fine of Rs 10,000 per motorcycle, totalling Rs 1.20 lakh.
Earlier, on June 30, during routine patrolling near Man village on the banks of Pangong Lake, Wildlife Department officials intercepted a Mahindra XUV 3XO with Uttar Pradesh registration number (UP12CA5111) while travelling off-road within the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary. The vehicle was seized under Section 50 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The driver, a resident of Meerut, was fined Rs 50,000 and the vehicle was released after he paid the fine.
Over the past few years, Ladakh has emerged as one of the most sought-after destinations in the country for motorcycle enthusiasts. However, with the rise in tourism, authorities have observed a worrying increase in tourists visiting protected wildlife areas, fragile wetlands, lake shores, and sensitive habitats, causing irreversible ecological damage and disturbing wildlife. Lieutenant Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena said that Ladakh’s mountains, lakes, rivers, and wildlife are among its greatest treasures, not only for its people but for the entire country.
He said, “We wholeheartedly welcome every visitor who comes to experience Ladakh’s unique beauty, culture, and hospitality. I urge all tourists to enjoy our breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife responsibly and avoid any activities that harm our fragile ecology or disturb protected habitats. The administration will continue to promote tourism, but equally, we will firmly enforce the law against those who endanger Ladakh’s invaluable natural heritage.”
The drive follows the Lieutenant Governor’s directives to curb illegal off-roading and protect Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem, officials said. The initiative has gained momentum with the deployment of the Ladakh Environment Protection Force (EPF), comprising 100 ex-servicemen authorised to monitor ecologically sensitive areas and issue on-the-spot challans.
