The United States of America is observing its Independence Day on July 4 with celebrations taking place across the country. Public events, parades, concerts, and fireworks have been organized in several cities as Americans mark the nation holiday.

Large gatherings have been reported in cities including Washington D.C., New York, Boston, and Philadelphia, where thousands of people are participating in officials and community-led celebrations. Public parks, streets, and other venues have been prepared to host visitors throughout the day.

Government officials, including US President Donald Trump, extended Independence Day greetings and participated in events celebrating the occasion. Ceremonies honouring military personnel, experts, and first responders have also been held in different parts of he country.

Authorities have stepped up security arrangements at major event locations to manage large crowds. Additional police forces and emergency response teams have been posted, while officials have advised the public to follow safety instructions during the celebrations.

The holiday has also resulted in increased travel activity, with airports, highways, and railway stations experiencing heavy passenger movement. Hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions are seeing a rise in visitors as many people use the long weekend for travel and family gatherings.

Although weather conditions have disrupted a few outdoor events in some areas, most programme are continuing as scheduled. Fireworks displays are expected to take place in the evening at several locations, including major cities known for their annual Independence Day celebrations.

The nation celebrates Independence Day every July 4. It marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, when 13 American colonies became independent from British rule. It is one of the most important national holidays in the United States and is celebrated with parades, fireworks, official ceremonies, and community events across the country.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Friday directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against encroachments across the national capital, with a stronger focus on technology-driven monitoring to detect and remove illegal occupation of public land.

The directions were issued during a meeting of the DDA Advisory Council, where urban development initiatives and enforcement measures were reviewed.

Officials said the Lieutenant Governor instructed the DDA to deploy drones and real-time monitoring systems to keep track of land parcels and buildings, enabling authorities to quickly identify unauthorized occupation and illegal construction before taking appropriate action.

More than 241 acres of government land reclaimed

During the meeting, officials informed that the DDA has strengthened its enforcement efforts through 14 Flying Squads operating under its Land Management Department. These teams are supported by daily field inspections conducted by survey personnel to safeguard government land.

According to the DDA, demolition drives carried out since April 2025 have helped reclaim 241.51 acres of government land. Additionally, illegal constructions have been cleared from 235.96 acres located in designated development areas.

Drone survey maps majority of Delhi

As part of its technology-enabled enforcement strategy, the DDA is conducting a drone survey across the National Capital Territory in coordination with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Survey of India.

Officials said the survey covers approximately 1,370 square kilometres. Of this, more than 1,122 square kilometres have already been mapped, while the survey covering the entire O-Zone has been completed.

The Lieutenant Governor was also informed about the DDA’s Vacant Land Management System, which is monitoring over 3,700 land parcels spread across nearly 21,773 acres. The system relies on geo-tagging and periodic photographic records to identify fresh encroachments at an early stage.

Focus on unauthorized construction

The meeting also reviewed action being taken against unauthorized construction across Delhi.

Officials said the DDA has initiated a dedicated enforcement drive to identify deviations from approved building plans through specialised inspection teams.

The Lieutenant Governor directed strict action against serious violations, including de-empanelment and blacklisting of architects found responsible for major breaches. He also instructed that unsafe or dilapidated buildings be reported to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi for further action.

Authorities further informed that unauthorized constructions in Delhi’s Land Pooling Areas will be identified and removed with the help of Flying Squads and Quick Response Teams.

DDA expands technology-based enforcement

Officials said the DDA has been increasing the use of digital tools to improve surveillance of public land and prevent fresh encroachments.

Along with the ongoing drone survey, the Vacant Land Management System is helping authorities continuously monitor thousands of land parcels through geo-tagging and regular photographic updates, enabling quicker detection of unauthorized occupation and supporting technology-driven enforcement across the capital.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh nowcast warning for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and adjoining areas, forecasting moderate to intense spells of rainfall over the next few hours as the southwest monsoon remains active across coastal Maharashtra.

According to the weather department, Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and Raigad are likely to experience heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong gusty winds. The IMD has also maintained a Red Alert for parts of the region, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall, with isolated places expected to receive extremely heavy showers.

Authorities have cautioned that the prevailing weather conditions could lead to waterlogging, flooding and traffic congestion, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Residents have been advised to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall.

Continuous rain has already affected road transport, while train services and flight operations have also been impacted due to poor visibility and adverse weather conditions. Civic authorities are clearing blocked drains and removing fallen trees to minimise the impact of the heavy rainfall.

Officials have urged people to stay indoors unless travel is absolutely necessary. Citizens have also been advised to avoid waterlogged roads, overflowing drains and coastal areas, while keeping track of weather updates issued by the IMD and local authorities.

With widespread rainfall expected to continue across the region, authorities have appealed to residents to remain cautious, follow official advisories and cooperate with emergency services until weather conditions improve.

A nowcast warning is a short-term weather forecast, generally valid for the next two to three hours. It is issued to alert the public about imminent weather events such as heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning or hailstorms, enabling both authorities and citizens to take timely precautions and minimise weather-related risks.