The Ladakh Administration has imposed hefty fines on tourists for illegal off-roading in Pangong Lake and other protected wildlife areas, marking the first time such strict penalties have been enforced in the Union Territory. Acting under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, authorities fined four vehicle owners ₹50,000 each after they were found violating wildlife protection rules by driving through ecologically sensitive zones. The total penalty imposed amounted to ₹2 lakh.

According to the Wildlife Department, the offending vehicles belonged to tourists from Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. The violations were detected at Merak and Lukung along the shores of Pangong Lake, Nurboo La in Hanle and Sumur in Nubra Valley. Officials said the vehicles were impounded following investigations and released only after the owners paid the prescribed penalties, reaffirming the administration's commitment to protecting Ladakh's fragile ecosystem.

Officials said one Mahindra Thar was caught on June 23 after being driven into the waters of Pangong Lake near Merak for stunt purposes, causing damage to wildlife habitat and polluting the lake. Another Hyundai Creta was intercepted after a social media video showed it being driven off-road near Lukung inside the Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary. Authorities also acted against another Mahindra Thar seen driving through a stream in the Karakoram (Nubra-Shayok) Wildlife Sanctuary, damaging the protected habitat.

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In another incident, a Toyota Fortuner was traced after a viral video allegedly showed it being driven off-road near Nurboo La inside the Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary while reportedly chasing a Tibetan gazelle. Wildlife officials, in coordination with the police, tracked down the vehicle outside a homestay in Hanle following an overnight search. All four vehicle owners subsequently paid the penalties before their vehicles were released.

The Wildlife Department stated that the action followed routine patrolling, social media surveillance and reports submitted to the Lieutenant Governor's Secretariat. Officials noted that incidents of illegal off-roading and stunt driving have increased in recent years, posing a serious threat to Ladakh's delicate environment, endangered wildlife and protected landscapes. The administration said strict enforcement measures would continue to discourage such activities.

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor V. K. Saxena urged tourists and adventure enthusiasts to enjoy the region responsibly and avoid entering protected wildlife habitats. He said off-road driving in or around notified wildlife sanctuaries is a punishable offence under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as it disturbs endangered species, damages fragile ecosystems and undermines conservation efforts. The administration reiterated that safeguarding Ladakh's unique natural heritage remains a priority while promoting sustainable tourism.

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