Amidst the increasing trend of adventure tourism in Ladakh, the administration has increased the strictness regarding environmental protection. According to reports, the latest case is related to fine on 12 bikers who came from Gurugram. A total fine of Rs 1.2 lakh has been imposed on these bikers for off-roading in the protected area leaving the designated road near Tso Moriri.
A fine of Rs 10,000 each was imposed on each bike rider. Apart from this, an SUV driver from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh was fined Rs 50,000 for off-roading near Pangong Lake. A total fine of Rs 1.7 lakh was collected in both the cases.
What action was taken against the car riders?
According to officials, the bikers were found off-roading in the protected area of Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary. At the same time, Mahindra XUV 3XO of a tourist from Meerut was confiscated, which was released after paying the fine. The administration says that this is not an isolated action, but is part of a wider campaign being run to protect the fragile environment of Ladakh.
What are the rules for tourists going to Ladakh?
- All tourists will have to drive only on designated roads and authorized routes.
- Off-roading is prohibited on lake shores, wetlands, grasslands and protected wildlife areas.
- A fine of at least Rs 10,000 can be imposed for off-roading on motorcycles in protected areas.
- The fine for SUVs and other four-wheelers can be higher. In a recent case, a fine of Rs 50 thousand was imposed on an SUV driver.
- Even if there are no barricades or warning boards installed at a place, taking vehicles to lakes, wetlands and wildlife areas will still be considered a violation of the rules.
- The vehicle can be seized under Section 50 of the Wildlife Protection Act, while cases can be registered under Section 29 for causing damage to wildlife habitat.
- In some cases, the matter can be settled by paying a fine under Section 54, but the administration has indicated that in case of repeated rule violations or serious violations, strict legal action can be taken, including arrest.
Why was strictness increased in Ladakh?
In the last few years, Ladakh has become a big center of adventure tourism. Every year thousands of bikers, SUV drivers and self-drive tourists visit areas like Pangong Lake, Tso Moriri and Nubra Valley. However, officials say a large number of tourists are leaving the designated roads and driving into lakeshores, grasslands and wetlands to get better photos or for adventure.
The cold desert ecosystem of Ladakh is considered extremely sensitive. Due to the low temperatures here, vegetation grows very slowly, so vehicle tire marks can persist for many years. This causes damage to grasslands, wetlands and nests of many rare and migratory birds.
Why is Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary special?
Many of these sensitive areas come under Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary. Many rare wildlife are found here including black-necked crane, Kiang (Tibetan wild ass), Tibetan gazelle, which are adapted to the special conditions of high altitude areas. Officials say that off-roading in these areas can have a long-term impact on the natural habitat of wildlife.
Under which laws was the action taken?
The recent action has been taken under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. According to officials, the Gurugram bikers were booked under Section 29 of the Act, which prohibits damaging or interfering with wildlife habitat inside protected wildlife sanctuaries. Later his case was settled after paying the fine prescribed under Section 54.
Whereas, in the case of Pangong Lake, the SUV was seized under Section 50 of the Act. The vehicle was released after paying the fine. The administration has clarified that if vehicles are taken to protected wetlands, lake shores or wildlife areas without permission, the vehicles can be confiscated and heavy fines can also be imposed.
Has the fine been imposed before also?
In late June, four tourists were collectively fined Rs 2 lakh. The allegation was that he had driven vehicles in Pangong Lake and other protected wildlife areas. According to officials, during that time many vehicles including Mahindra Thar, Hyundai Creta and Toyota Fortuner were seized. In one case, tourists were also accused of chasing a gazelle inside a protected area.
How are such people being monitored?
Ladakh administration has also deployed Ladakh Environment Protection Force (EPF) for environmental protection. This team consisting of about 100 trained ex-servicemen has been given the responsibility of patrolling sensitive areas, keeping an eye on the activities of tourists and issuing challans on the spot against those breaking the rules. According to officials, both the cases in Gurugram and Meerut were detected through regular patrolling and with the help of the information system of the wildlife department.
What did the Lieutenant Governor say?
Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena said that Ladakh welcomes tourists from all over the country, but the mountains, lakes, rivers and wildlife here are priceless natural heritage of the country, which need to be protected. He appealed to tourists to travel responsibly and avoid activities that harm protected natural areas. Also clarified that the laws related to environment will be strictly implemented in future also.
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