Srinagar, July 14 -- The Ladakh Administration has fined 12 motorcyclists a total of Rs 1.20 lakh and imposed a Rs 50,000 penalty on an SUV owner for illegally driving through protected wildlife areas, marking its first major enforcement action against a motorcycle group for off-roading in ecologically sensitive zones.
Officials said the action is part of a crackdown on the growing menace of illegal off-roading in wildlife-protected areas, which has been causing damage to Ladakh's fragile ecosystem.
The 12 bikers were fined Rs 10,000 each for illegally venturing into protected areas near Tso Moriri (Lake Moriri), while an SUV driver was penalised Rs 50,000 for violating provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, near Pangong Lake....