13 tourists fined Rs 1.7 lakh for illegal off-roading in Ladakh protected zones

Twelve bikers from Gurgaon were collectively fined Rs 1.2 lakh after they were caught off-roading near the ecologically sensitive Tso Moriri lake in Ladakh. A separate penalty of Rs 50,000 was imposed on an SUV driver from Uttar Pradesh for a similar offence in a protected area. The incidents are part of an ongoing crackdown by Ladakh wildlife officials against unauthorized entry into fragile ecological zones. Authorities have been issuing penalties to tourists in a series of recent enforcement actions targeting such violations. The administration has called on visitors to explore Ladakh responsibly and help preserve its vulnerable natural environment.