Tawang Police in Arunachal Pradesh have issued a warning to tourists and local residents against bathing, swimming or disposing of waste in the sacred Gonkhar La Lake. Police have cautioned that anyone violating the restrictions will face immediate fines and legal action.

The warning came after a tourist allegedly took a bath in the lake on November 7, despite being aware of the prohibition. The incident raised concerns over the protection of the lake’s sanctity and the religious sentiments of the local community.

The tourist was identified as Shihbul Hasan. Following the incident, he submitted a handwritten apology to the Officer-in-Charge of Jang Police Station on the same day. In his apology, Hasan admitted that he had entered the lake for a bath despite knowing that such activities were prohibited.

Police have reiterated that Gonkhar La Lake is a sacred site and urged visitors to respect local religious beliefs, maintain its cleanliness and strictly follow the restrictions in place.