The state government has proposed to amend the existing rules to curb illegal sand quarrying in the state by increasing the penalty three-fold; from Rs 10,000 to Rs 30,000 per truck carrying sand without a valid permit. According to the proposed amendment, the penalty imposed on each tractor carrying five tonnes of sand will be Rs 15,000 and Rs 3,000 per additional tonne. As per existing rules, the government can grant a lease for a period of more than one year.