12 bikers fined Rs 1.2 lakh for off-roading in Ladakh's wildlife sanctuary
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Species, protected areas & wetlands· Prelims·
Why in news
Authorities fined 12 bikers Rs 1.2 lakh for illegal off-roading in the Tso Moriri wetland, highlighting the enforcement of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, in ecologically sensitive zones.
Background
The incident occurred in the Tso Moriri wetland, which is part of the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary in Ladakh. The bikers were penalized under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, with each individual receiving a fine of Rs 10,000.
Facts for Prelims
- Act / BillWildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Primary legislation for the protection of wild animals and plants in India.
- PlaceTso Moriri: A high-altitude wetland and lake located in the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, Ladakh.
- FactTotal fine imposed: Rs 1.2 lakh on 12 bikers from WanderOn Experiences Pvt Ltd on July 4, 2024.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the challenges in balancing adventure tourism with the conservation of ecologically sensitive zones like the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary in Ladakh.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Regulatory gap: Lack of stringent permit systems for private adventure tour operators in high-altitude wetlands.
- Ecological degradation: Soil compaction and habitat fragmentation caused by off-road vehicles in fragile alpine ecosystems.
- Enforcement friction: Difficulty in monitoring remote border-adjacent wildlife sanctuaries with limited patrolling infrastructure.
Keywords: Ecologically sensitive zones · Biodiversity conservation · Sustainable tourism · Regulatory enforcement · Habitat fragmentation
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.