12 Bikers, One SUV-Owner Fined for Illegal Off-Roading in Protected Wildlife Areas in Ladakh
Authorities imposed ₹1.70 lakh in fines after patrolling teams caught violators in protected wildlife areas, as the administration steps up enforcement against illegal off-roading.
- On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Ladakh authorities fined 12 bikers ₹10,000 each and an SUV driver ₹50,000 for illegal off-roading in protected wildlife areas near Tso Moriri Lake and Pangong Lake.
- Ladakh has emerged as a premier destination for motorcycle enthusiasts over recent years, but increased tourism has triggered a rise in vehicles driving through fragile wetlands and lake shores, damaging the region's unique ecosystem.
- To combat violations, the administration deployed the Ladakh Environment Protection Force , comprising 100 ex-servicemen authorized to monitor ecologically sensitive areas and issue on-the-spot challans against offenders.
- The 12 bikers collectively paid ₹1.20 lakh in fines, while the SUV driver paid ₹50,000 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, with both violations detected through vigilant patrolling by department personnel.
- Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena urged tourists to "enjoy our breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife responsibly," stating the administration will "enforce the law firmly against those who endanger Ladakh's priceless natural heritage.
13 Articles
13 Articles
12 Gurgaon bikers, UP SUV driver fined Rs 1.7 lakh for off-roading in Ladakh’s protected areas
Twelve bikers from Gurgaon faced fines totaling Rs 1.2 lakh for off-roading near Tso Moriri. An SUV driver from Uttar Pradesh was also fined Rs 50,000 for a similar violation. These actions follow recent penalties against tourists for illegal incursions into protected areas. Wildlife officials are continuing their crackdown on off-roading in sensitive ecological zones. The administration urges tourists to explore Ladakh responsibly and protect i…
Why 12 Bikers Were Fined INR 1.2 Lakh Near Tso Moriri in Ladakh | 📰 LatestLY
Twelve bikers from a Gurugram-based travel group have been fined INR 1.2 lakh by the Ladakh administration for allegedly riding off designated routes near Tso Moriri in the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary. Officials said the group violated wildlife protection rules by entering an ecologically sensitive wetland. The action comes amid a crackdown on illegal off-roading in Ladakh’s protected areas. 📰 Why 12 Bikers Were Fined INR 1.2 Lakh Near Tso Mo…
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.abplive.com/search?s=ladakh" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ladakh</a> Authorities have fined 12 bikers and the owner of an SUV for illegally driving in protected wildlife areas. Meanwhile, Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor, VK Saxena, has appealed to tourists to enjoy the Union Territory responsibly and help protect its pristine environment and wildlife.
12 bikers, SUV driver fined Rs 1.70 lakh over illegal off-roading in Ladakh, LG calls for responsible tourism
In a major crackdown against illegal off-roading in protected wildlife areas, the Ladakh administration has slapped a fine of Rs 1.70 lakh on a group of bikers and an SUV driver in two separate incidents, with Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena urging people to be mindful of ecological sensitve areas in the region while visiting such tourist places. A total of 12 bikers were fined Rs 10,000 each, while an SUV driver was fined Rs 50,000 over off-roadi…
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