Goa beaches unfit for swimming

A beach resort popular with British holidaymakers is unfit for swimming and fishing because of contamination by sewage water, scientists have warned.

Indian researchers working for the government-run National Institute of Oceanography said the level of faecal coliform bacteria in coastal waters and rivers at Goa is much higher than the accepted safety standards.

Senior scientist at the institute Mr N. Ramaiah said that the contamination has been measured at 190 so-called colony forming units while safety levels should be at 100 units.

Goa is one of the most sought after beach destinations in India. It attracts nearly 2.6 million tourists annually, including nearly half a million foreigners, mostly from Britain, Russia and Germany.