The Ladakh Administration has imposed a total penalty of Rs 2 lakh on four motorists for illegally driving their vehicles through Pangong Lake and other protected wildlife habitats, marking the first time authorities have taken such stringent action against off-road violations in the Union Territory. 

Acting on the directions of Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, officials fined each offender Rs 50,000 under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The move comes amid growing concern over tourists driving vehicles into ecologically fragile lakes, streams and wildlife sanctuaries in pursuit of social media content and adventure activities.

The four vehicles, registered in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Chandigarh, were impounded following investigations and released only after the penalties were paid. Authorities said the action underlines the administration's resolve to safeguard Ladakh's delicate ecosystem and endangered wildlife.

Violations detected through patrols and social media

According to officials, the cases came to light through routine wildlife patrols as well as videos circulating on social media, which were subsequently reported to the Lieutenant Governor's Secretariat. The incidents occurred at four locations under the Leh Wildlife Division, including Merak and Lukung along Pangong Lake, Nurboo La in Hanle and Sumur in Nubra Valley.

The administration said off-road driving in these areas damages sensitive habitats, disturbs wildlife and degrades protected landscapes.

Vehicles entered lake, streams and sanctuary areas

One of the latest incidents occurred on June 23, when wildlife officials found a Mahindra Thar from Punjab being driven into the waters of Pangong Lake near Merak. Authorities alleged the driver intentionally entered the lake to perform stunts, damaging critical habitat and polluting the waterbody. The vehicle was seized after the driver was found to have prima facie violated wildlife protection laws.

In another case on June 21, officials intercepted a Hyundai Creta registered in Uttar Pradesh after a video showed it being driven off-road near Lukung within the Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary. The vehicle was later traced and impounded at Zingral near Changla Pass.

Earlier, a Mahindra Thar from Punjab was seen driving through a stream inside the Karakoram (Nubra-Shayok) Wildlife Sanctuary. Wildlife officials tracked down the vehicle with assistance from local police and impounded it at Kharu after gathering intelligence.

In a separate incident on June 17, a Toyota Fortuner registered in Himachal Pradesh was filmed driving off-road near Nurboo La in the Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary. Officials said the driver was reportedly chasing a Tibetan gazelle. Following an overnight search conducted jointly by the Wildlife Department and police, the vehicle was located outside a homestay in Hanle the following morning.

Offenders paid fines before vehicles were released

All four motorists were fined Rs 50,000 each, bringing the total penalty to Rs 2 lakh. Their vehicles remained impounded until the penalties were paid in full.

Officials described the enforcement action as the toughest yet against illegal off-roading in Ladakh, where such violations have become increasingly common in recent years.

Administration warns of strict action

Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena said Ladakh welcomes visitors from across India and abroad but stressed that tourism must not come at the cost of the region's environment.

He urged tourists, adventure enthusiasts and vehicle owners to stay away from protected wildlife habitats and avoid activities that threaten endangered species or damage fragile ecosystems.

The administration reiterated that driving off-road within or near protected wildlife areas is a punishable offence under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and warned that strict enforcement against future violators will continue.