Pangong Lake Off-Roading: Ladakh Fines Tourists INR 2 Lakh, SUV Driver Booked for Chasing Tibetan Gazelle

The Ladakh administration has, for the first time, taken strict legal action against tourists for illegal off-roading in protected wildlife areas, imposing a total penalty of INR 2 lakh on four offenders and impounding their vehicles. The action comes after several incidents of SUVs being driven through Pangong Lake, wildlife sanctuaries and ecologically sensitive zones, including one case in which a driver allegedly chased a Tibetan gazelle.

Why Did Ladakh Fine the Tourists?

The penalties were imposed under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, after wildlife officials found four vehicles involved in illegal off-roading across protected areas under the Leh Wildlife Division. Each offender was fined INR 50,000 before being allowed to retrieve the seized vehicle.

Ladakh Slaps INR 2 Lakh Fine on Tourists Driving Into Pangong Lake

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

The violations occurred near Pangong Lake at Merak and Lukung, Nurboo La in Hanle and Sumur in Nubra Valley. Authorities said the action followed routine wildlife patrols and monitoring of videos shared on social media. No More Illegal Drives: Ladakh Slaps Massive Fines on Tourists Violating Lake Zones.

SUV Allegedly Chased Tibetan Gazelle

One of the most serious violations was reported near Nurboo La inside the Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary. A viral video showed an SUV being driven off-road while allegedly chasing a Tibetan gazelle, a protected wild animal found in the region. No More Illegal Off-Roading: Ladakh Slaps INR 2 Lakh Fine on Tourists Driving Into Pangong Lake.

Wildlife officials, along with local police, tracked down the vehicle outside a homestay in Hanle after an overnight search and initiated legal action against the driver.

Vehicles Driven Into Pangong Lake and Streams

In another incident, an SUV was seen entering the waters of Pangong Lake near Merak for stunt driving, allegedly damaging the fragile habitat and polluting the lake. Another vehicle was caught driving off-road near Lukung inside the Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary.

Authorities also intercepted another SUV after it was seen driving through a stream inside the Karakoram (Nubra-Shayok) Wildlife Sanctuary, causing damage to the protected ecosystem.

Ladakh Administration Issues Strong Warning

Officials said this is the first time such stringent penalties have been imposed for illegal off-roading in Ladakh. The administration said the move reflects its commitment to protecting the Union Territory's fragile ecosystem and endangered wildlife.

Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena urged tourists to act responsibly while visiting Ladakh and warned that off-road driving inside or near protected wildlife areas is a punishable offence under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

The administration added that strict action will continue against anyone found damaging wildlife habitats or disturbing endangered species through illegal adventure activities.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 29, 2026 01:26 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).