Goa’s tourism director Swapnil Naik just announced a multimillion rupee ad campaign across Europe, Asia and Africa to entice tourists to its shores. Meanwhile India’s National Institute of Oceanography just released a report declaring the water ‘unfit for bathing’ due to high levels of fecal coliform bacteria from untreated sewage.

“For safe bathing and international standards it should be 100 CFU (colony forming units) per 100 millilitres but now it has touched 190″ in some areas, said NIO scientist Dr N. Ramaiah.

Ramaiah said coastal waters tested by the scientists were generally above the limit, but the problem was most acute in the basins of Goa’s two rivers, the Mandovi and Zuari. (Full post at Independent)

The water is teeming with crap. Literally.

But here’s four reasons to visit Goa – historic monuments, incredible food, non-stop beach parties, and most importantly the nicest, most hospitable people on this planet. And if you must swim just stick to the hotel pools overlooking the ocean.