As the country continues to record an average of over 15,000 coronavirus cases daily, the Centre has asked States to ensure there are no large gatherings for Independence Day celebrations and that everyone follows Covid protocols.
The Union Home Ministry has also conveyed to all States and Union Territories to carry out a 'Swachh Bharat' campaign at a prominent location of each district in the state and UT and carry out a fortnight and month-long campaign to keep it 'Swachh' through voluntary civil action.
In a communication, the ministry said, "As a precaution, against COVID-19, large congregations in the ceremony be avoided. It is imperative that Covid guidelines are followed".
India added 16,561 new coronavirus cases taking the total tally of Covid cases to 4,42,23,557, while the active cases dipped to 1,23,535, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday.
The death count climbed to 5,26,928 with 49 fatalities which include 10 deaths reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated.
The Home Ministry also asked government departments and educational institutions to carry out tree plantation programmes to spread awareness for conservation of environment.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Pigeon Fails To Fly At I-Day Event In Chhattisgarh, Cop Calls For Disciplinary Action Opinion: Opinion | Viksit Bharat Vision Unveiled in PM's Independence Day Speech Opinion: Opinion | UCC To Corruption, 4 Messages From Modi's Independence Day Speech "Moving Towards One Party, One Nation": Uddhav Thackeray On BJP Victory 3 Dead, Over 30 Cops Injured: Violence In UP's Sambhal Over Mosque Survey Autopsy Reveals Chilling Details Of Family Kidnapped, Killed In Manipur DUSU Candidates Asked To Pledge Against Firecrackers, Rallies Post Results Video: Punches, Kicks Fly As Man Thrashed Over Parking Row In Ghaziabad Viral Video Showing Making Of Natural Apple Juice Using Manual Press Wows Internet Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.