Indian scientists have warned that the popular beaches in the 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 its rivers is much higher than the accepted safety standards.

A NIO scientist said safety levels should be at 100 units of so-called colony forming units. He said the levels of the waters have been recently measured at 190 units.

Goa is one of the most sought after beach destinations in India.