The Ladakh Administration imposed a total penalty of Rs 2 lakh on four tourists for illegal off-roading in protected wildlife areas. Each tourist was fined Rs 50,000 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and their vehicles were impounded and released only after the penalties were paid. One offender was caught chasing a Tibetan gazelle within a sanctuary. The tourists were from Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. The action was taken on the directions of Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena. Authorities warned of continued stringent action against violators of environmental regulations in Ladakh. This was the first time such a strict penalty was imposed on tourists for illegal off-roading in Ladakh. According to kashmirlife.net, the tourists were penalized for driving illegally in protected areas including Pangong Lake, the Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Karakoram (Nubra-Shayok) Wildlife Sanctuary. According to kashmirlife.net, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena called on tourists to act responsibly and respect Ladakh’s fragile environment.