Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today urged district magistrates to collect data on Covid-19 infection among children, amidst experts' warning about the possibility of a third wave that could hit the younger population as the virus is mutating.

Modi also underlined concerns expressed in various quarters about the threats it poses to youth and children.

As India reels under a second wave of the disease that has so far affected younger age groups on a limited scale, Modi said, "Concerns have been raised for young people and children due to the mutation of the virus. I request you to collect data related to infection among youth and children in your district and review it continuously."

He was interacting with District Magistrates from 11 states, including Maharashtra, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh, three of the five worst affected by the second wave.

Cautioning the officials against the wastage of vaccine doses, the Prime Minister said wastage of a single dose means not being able to provide the necessary degree of protection to an individual.

He said that active Covid-19 cases have started coming down in the country over the last few weeks but warned that the challenge remains as long as this infection is present even on a minor scale.