Leh, 14 July (H.S.): Authorities in Ladakh have fined 12 bikers and the owner of an SUV for illegally driving through protected wildlife areas, with Lt Governor V K Saxena urging tourists to enjoy the Union territory responsibly and help preserve its pristine ecology and wildlife.

Taking stringent action against the growing menace of illegal off-roading in protected areas, the Ladakh administration has penalised bike-borne groups. As many as 12 bikers have been fined Rs 10,000 each for illegally venturing into protected ecologically-sensitive zones near Lake Moriri, an official spokesman said on Tuesday.

He said another tourist driving an SUV near Pangong Lake has also been fined Rs 50,000 for violating the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Over the last few years, Ladakh has emerged as one of the country's most sought-after destinations for motorcycle enthusiasts. However, alongside growth in tourism, authorities have witnessed an alarming rise in instances of tourists venturing into protected wildlife areas, driving through fragile wetlands, lake shores and sensitive habitats, causing irreversible damage to Ladakh's unique ecosystem and disturbing wildlife.

The Lt Governor said Ladakh's mountains, lakes, rivers and wildlife are among its greatest treasures and belonged not only to its people but to the entire nation.

We wholeheartedly welcome every visitor who comes to experience the unparalleled beauty, culture and hospitality of Ladakh. I urge all tourists to enjoy our breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife responsibly and refrain from any activity that harms our fragile ecology or disturbs protected habitats.

The administration will continue to promote tourism, but equally, we shall enforce the law firmly against those who endanger Ladakh's priceless natural heritage, Saxena said.

The strict enforcement comes in the wake of the directions of Lt Governor to curb illegal off-roading and protect Ladakh's ecologically-fragile landscapes.

The initiative has gained momentum following the recent deployment of the Ladakh Environment Protection Force (EPF), comprising 100 ex-servicemen authorised to monitor ecologically sensitive areas and issue on-the-spot challans against violators, the spokesman said.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar