Between 2020 and 2024, the frequency of earthquakes ranging from M3.0 to M4.9 has risen, according to a statement by a Minister in the Lok Sabha.

On March 12, in response to a query from TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee about whether earthquake frequency in India had increased between 2020 and 2024 compared to 2015-2019, Minister Singh stated, "Earthquakes measuring M3.0 to M4.9 have indeed risen from 2020 to 2024 compared to 2015-2019. This uptick suggests stress release, preventing the buildup of strain energy that could trigger more frequent earthquakes of M5.0 or higher, which have remained relatively consistent across these periods."

Banerjee also sought details on earthquakes over the past decade and whether the increase stemmed from shifts in seismic zone activity since 2010. According to data from the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), earthquakes of M3.0 to M3.9 surged from 1,224 in 2015-2019 to 3,205 in 2020-2024. Meanwhile, those between M3.9 and M4.9 grew from 1,663 in 2010-2014 to 2,203 in 2015-2019, and further to 2,408 in 2020-2024.

Singh clarified that this increased seismicity has not altered India’s seismic zones. He noted that, per the Bureau of Indian Standards, the country’s seismic hazard zonation map divides regions into four zones—II, III, IV, and V—with Zone V being the most seismically active and Zone II the least, based on peak ground acceleration distribution. "This zoning enhances our understanding of seismic risks, enabling better preparation and tailored recommendations for construction and land use, especially in high-risk areas," he explained.

Singh highlighted improvements to the national seismic network, including the addition of more seismic stations and observatories, which have improved detection and real-time reporting of earthquakes nationwide. He also mentioned that the government has introduced updated building codes and construction guidelines, informed by detailed seismic microzonation studies of Indian cities. These measures aim to bolster structural resilience against earthquakes, particularly in high-risk Zones IV and V, as well as moderate-risk Zones II and III.