Ladakh’s breathtaking landscapes attract travellers from across the country. However, its fragile high-altitude cold desert ecosystem is under a lot of pressure due to unregulated tourism, poor waste management, climate change, and other human activities. To help protect this delicate environment, Ladakh has formed an Environment Protection Force (EPF) comprising 100 retired servicemen. Here’s all you need to know about this unique initiative.
Ladakh Raises First Environment Protection Force
From defending our borders to defending our natural heritage!
For the first time, 100 ex-servicemen from the Army, Para-Military & Ladakh Scouts have been deployed in the Environment Protection Force (EPF), as “protectors” of the fragile high-altitude ecosystems, endangered… pic.twitter.com/CyVaN5OHwe
— LG Ladakh (@lg_ladakh) July 4, 2026
According to NDTV, days after the Ladakh administration fined four tourists a total of ₹2 lakh for driving through ecologically sensitive areas near Pangong Lake, the Union Territory has launched a first-of-its-kind EPF.
The newly formed force comprises 100 retired personnel from the Army, paramilitary forces, and the Ladakh Scouts. They will patrol ecologically sensitive zones, including high-altitude ecosystems and wildlife habitats, to curb illegal off-roading and other environmental violations.
The personnel have been authorised to identify environmental offences, prevent illegal activities, and issue on-the-spot challans.
Also Read: Ladakh Bans Single-Use Plastics, Littering; Imposes Fines Of Up To ₹10,000 For Violations
To Safeguard Ladakh’s Fragile Ecology
The Environment Protection Force has been created to curb illegal off-roading and other activities that damage Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem, including littering, pollution, and violations in protected areas.
Announcing the initiative on X, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said the force would act as a strong deterrent against illegal off-roading, which poses a threat to endangered wildlife and the region’s delicate environment.
Apart from tackling off-roading, the EPF will patrol wildlife habitats and other ecologically sensitive areas to ensure better enforcement of environmental regulations. The retired personnel will receive a monthly remuneration, with the initiative also aimed at creating post-retirement employment opportunities for ex-servicemen.
Also Read: Major Breakthrough Achieved At Zojila Tunnel, New Kashmir-Ladakh Route To Open By February 2028
Let us know your thoughts on this initiative by the Ladakh administration in the comment section.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Dmitry Rukhlenko
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What is Ladakh's Environment Protection Force (EPF)?
The Environment Protection Force (EPF) is a newly formed unit comprising retired servicemen tasked with protecting Ladakh's fragile ecosystem and preventing environmental violations.
Why has Ladakh created the Environment Protection Force?
The force has been established to curb illegal off-roading, littering, pollution, and other activities that threaten the region's ecologically sensitive landscapes and wildlife.
Who are part of the Environment Protection Force?
The EPF consists of retired personnel from the Army, paramilitary forces, and the Ladakh Scouts.