12 bikers, one SUV-owner fined for illegal off-roading in protected wildlife areas in Ladakh

bikers were fined ₹10,000 each for illegal off-roading near Tso Moriri in Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary in Ladakh.

An SUV driver was fined ₹50,000 for illegal off-roading near Pangong Lake within Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary.

LFines were levied under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, following directions from LG Vinai Kumar Saxena.

The bikers were part of a Gurugram-based tour operator, and the SUV driver was from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.

Ladakh authorities aim to curb the growing menace of off-roading that damages fragile ecosystems and wildlife habitats.