Ladakh Imposes ₹2 Lakh Fine On Four Tourists For Illegal Off-Roading In Pangong Lake

In a first-of-its-kind action, the Ladakh Administration has imposed a total fine of ₹2 lakh on four tourists for illegally driving their vehicles through Pangong Lake and other protected wildlife areas. The move is part of a stricter campaign to protect the Union Territory's fragile ecosystem from irresponsible tourism.

According to an official statement, each vehicle owner was fined ₹50,000 for violating provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

First Major Action Against Off-Roading Violations

The action was taken following directions from Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, who has instructed authorities to take strict measures against tourists damaging environmentally sensitive regions.

Officials said the four offenders belonged to Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh and Uttar Pradesh. They were found driving vehicles inside Pangong Lake and protected wildlife zones in Changthang and Nubra Valley.

The vehicles were impounded during the investigation and were released only after the owners paid the penalties.

Acting strictly against rising menace of illegal off-roading, including cases of tourists driving cars in the ecologically sensitive lakes and river streams in Ladakh, the Ladakh Administration, on the directions of Lt. Governor Shri VK Saxena, has for the first time, begun… pic.twitter.com/zTr6x8p2TB

— ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2026

Authorities described the action as a strong message that environmental violations in Ladakh will no longer be tolerated.

Violations Detected Through Patrols and Social Media

The illegal activities came to light during routine inspections carried out by wildlife officials. In addition, several videos circulating on social media helped authorities identify the offenders.

The reported incidents took place in Merak, Lukung, Nurboo La in Hanle, and Sumur in Nubra Valley, all of which fall under protected wildlife regions. Officials said the increasing use of social media has made it easier to identify tourists who upload videos of dangerous or illegal activities in ecologically sensitive areas.

What the Tourists Were Accused Of

According to the administration, one Punjab-registered vehicle was allegedly driven into the waters of Pangong Lake near Merak to perform stunts.

Another vehicle registered in Uttar Pradesh was traced after a video allegedly showed it being driven off-road near Lukung inside the Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary.
In another case, a Punjab-registered jeep was reportedly driven through a stream inside the Karakoram (Nubra-Shayok) Wildlife Sanctuary, while a Himachal Pradesh-registered vehicle was allegedly filmed chasing a Tibetan gazelle near Nurboo La.

Officials said such activities not only violate wildlife protection laws but also pose a serious threat to animals and their natural habitats.

Why Off-Roading Is Harmful

Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that off-road driving can cause long-term damage to Ladakh's delicate landscape.
Vehicles entering lakes, streams and grasslands disturb wildlife, destroy vegetation and damage breeding grounds of several endangered species.

The Changthang region is home to rare animals such as the Tibetan gazelle, snow leopard, kiang (wild ass) and several migratory bird species.

Authorities say even a single vehicle entering these protected zones can leave lasting ecological damage.

Administration Warns Tourists

Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena appealed to tourists and adventure enthusiasts to act responsibly while visiting Ladakh.

He said visitors should respect environmental rules and avoid driving vehicles inside protected habitats or water bodies.
The administration also reminded tourists that off-road driving inside or near protected wildlife areas is a punishable offence under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Officials warned that strict legal action, including heavy fines and vehicle seizures, will continue against anyone found violating environmental laws.