LEH, June 29 -- In a first-of-its-kind action, the Ladakh Administration has imposed hefty penalties on tourists found involved in illegal off-roading in ecologically sensitive areas, including Pangong Lake and protected wildlife zones.

The Wildlife Department of Ladakh imposed a penalty of Rs.50,000 each on four vehicle owners for violating provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. The total penalty amounting to Rs.2 lakh was recovered from offenders belonging to Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.

The action was taken after vehicles were found entering protected wildlife habitats in Changthang and Nubra areas. The vehicles were seized during investigations and released only after payment of the penalties.

The v...