Recent images from hill stations and city markets - of large crowds without face masks and zero social distancing - are a "cause for concern", Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Tuesday, as he underlined the need to follow Covid protocols to ward off a potential third wave of infections that doctors have warned about. 

Addressing a virtual meeting of chief ministers from the eight northeastern states, Modi stressed the importance of adhering to basic rules - wearing of face masks when in public, avoiding large gatherings, and ensuring vaccination - to prevent a third wave of COVID-19 cases.

"It is true that tourism, business and business have been greatly affected due to coronavirus... but today I will say very emphatically that it is not okay to have huge crowds in hill stations and markets without wearing masks," Modi said.

"The virus does not come and go on its own... we bring it with us when we disobey the rules. Experts are warning us repeatedly that careless behaviour - like overcrowding - will lead to an increase in Covid cases," he said.

"Steps should be taken to prevent crowds... We all need to work together to stop the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic," he added.

Modi also stressed on the need to ensure rapid and widespread vaccination. So far India has managed to completely vaccinate only 5% of its eligible population, largely becuase of vaccine shortage and rows over pricing. 

 He also red-flagged the increase in cases in the northeastern states;  with data showing 47 of India's 73 districts with a positivity rate of over 10 per cent were from the Northeast.

Modi;s comments come as a flood of videos and images have emerged on social media showing massive crowds at hill stations like Manali in Himachal Pradesh, with peop;le not wearing masks and proudly saying that they were happy to experience freedom once again after months of lockdown. (SAM)