Leh, June 28 -- In a first-of-its-kind action, the Ladakh Administration has imposed a total penalty of Rs.2 lakh on four tourists for illegally driving their vehicles through Pangong Lake and other protected wildlife areas, as part of a major crackdown on off-roading in ecologically sensitive zones.

The action was taken by the Wildlife Department on the directions of Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, who has called on tourists to act responsibly and respect Ladakh's fragile environment.

Officials said four vehicle owners from Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh were fined Rs.50,000 each under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, after being found guilty of driving in protected areas, including Pangong Lake, Changthang a...