Indian scientists have warned that the popular beaches in the southwestern state of Goa have become unfit for swimming and fishing because of contamination from raw sewage.
The National Institute of Oceanography, based in Goa, says the level of fecal bacteria off the coast of Goa and in its rivers is much higher than the accepted safety standards.
A scientist at the institute says safety levels should be at 100 units of so-called colony-forming units. He says the levels of the waters have been recently measured at 190 units.
Tourism officials were alarmed by the report. Goa is one of the most sought-after beach destinations in India. It attracts millions of tourists annually, including nearly half a million foreigners.