Keylong, May 23
A teenager driving a Mahindra Thar dangerously through a river and along its banks in the ecologically fragile Lahaul and Spiti district has landed in trouble after police took swift action against the reckless act.
According to Lahaul and Spiti Police, the youth was seen driving the SUV inside a river stream and across the river bank, putting public safety and the sensitive Himalayan environment at serious risk.
A video of the incident reportedly surfaced on social media, drawing sharp criticism from locals and environmentalists.
Taking immediate cognizance of the matter, the district police issued a challan of Rs 2,500 under Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 for reckless and dangerous driving.
Police authorities stated that such irresponsible acts not only endanger lives but also damage the fragile ecosystem of the tribal district, which is highly vulnerable to environmental degradation. Driving vehicles through river channels can disturb aquatic life, erode riverbanks and pollute pristine water bodies.
Lahaul and Spiti Police warned tourists and motorists against indulging in adventure activities that violate traffic laws and environmental norms merely for social media attention.
“Respect nature. Drive responsibly,” the police appealed while reiterating that strict action would continue against violators.
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The incident has once again raised concern over increasing instances of tourists flouting rules in Himachal Pradesh.
In recent months, several cases have surfaced in which visitors were seen leaning out of moving vehicles, riding through dangerous mountain stretches and violating safety regulations on highways and tourist routes.
Residents have demanded that authorities impose heavier penalties on such offenders to deter reckless tourism and protect the hill state’s ecology and road safety.
Many locals believe that nominal fines fail to create fear among violators and stricter enforcement is urgently needed during the peak tourist season.
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