Ladakh authorities deploy 100 former armed forces personnel to curb violations related to off-roading and movement in ecologically sensitive areas, according to reporting. The administration says the step is part of increased enforcement aimed at protecting the Union Territory’s fragile environment.
The move follows recent action against tourists who were fined for driving vehicles through sensitive zones near Pangong Lake. Local officials frame the deployment as a first-of-its-kind measure, using personnel with experience in field operations to monitor activity, deter illegal or unregulated driving, and ensure compliance with environmental rules.
The reporting describes the initiative as targeting damage risk from vehicle use in areas around Pangong Lake and other sensitive locations, where off-roading can affect wildlife, vegetation, and local ecosystems. Overall, the sources present the deployment as an expansion of supervision and penalties after prior incidents involving off-roading, with the administration emphasizing environmental protection and adherence to designated restrictions.
