Jammu, July 15 -- Continuing its stringent action against the growing menace of illegal off-roading in wildlife-protected areas, the Ladakh administration, in a first-of-its-kind action against motorcycle groups, has fined 12 bikers with a penalty totalling Rs.1.20 lakh - Rs.10,000 each - for illegally venturing into protected ecologically-sensitive zones around near Lake Moriri, said officials on Tuesday.

Another tourist driving an SUV near Pangong Lake has also been penalised with Rs.50,000 for violating the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

On July 4, wildlife officials detected a group of 12 bikers, belonging to a Gurugram-based tour operator illegally riding off-road in close proximity to Tso Moriri, an ecologicall...