Belekeri
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Belekeri
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| settlement_type = village
| image_skyline =
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| pushpin_map = India Karnataka#India
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Karnataka, India
| coordinates = {{coord|14.7|N|74.267|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = State
| subdivision_name1 = Karnataka
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| governing_body = Gram panchayat
| unit_pref = Metric
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| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = Kannada
| timezone1 = IST
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
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| iso_code = IN-KA
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Belekeri is a village in Ankola, Karnataka, India, and is known for its fish. It is approximately 6 km from Ankola. Its industrial port is used for shipping iron ore and manganese to various destinations, including China.{{citation needed|date=November 2015}} The port came to a wide media attention due to the Belekeri port scam.{{Cite web|title = CBI chargesheets Karnataka MLA and 17 others in Belekeri ore scam {{!}} Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis|url = http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-cbi-chargesheets-karnataka-mla-and-17-others-in-belekeri-ore-scam-1936851|website = dna|accessdate = 2015-11-24}}{{Cite web|title = Belekeri mining case: Trouble for Adani?|url = https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150717/nation-current-affairs/article/belekeri-mining-case-trouble-adani|website = Deccan Chronicle|access-date = 2015-11-24}} Belekeri port is on bank of Hattikeri River.
History
Historically, the port was used by the British. The village has ancient historical significance as it houses an inscription which is more than 500 years old.{{Cite web|title = Explore Belekeri Beach::HikeEZee|url = http://www.hikeezee.com/explore/destinations/belekeri-beach-2777|website = www.hikeezee.com|accessdate = 2015-11-22|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151122215218/http://www.hikeezee.com/explore/destinations/belekeri-beach-2777|archive-date = 22 November 2015|url-status = dead}} It has Jainabeera temple, which is of a great significance to the villagers.
Belekeri Port
Karnataka plans development of non-major transhipment port with Rs 3,000 crore is likely to be invested in greenfield port at Belekeri.{{Cite web|url=https://www.constructionweekonline.in/projects-tenders/16852-karnataka-plans-development-of-two-non-major-ports-under-ppp|title=Karnataka plans development of two non-major ports under PPP - Construction Week India|date=3 March 2021}}
Belekeri Harbour
The fishing harbour is suitable for moderate weathers. If proper improvements are brought about, it can greatly increase its capacity.{{Cite web|title = Belekeri {{!}} Karnataka Ports|url = http://karnatakaports.org/?page_id=99|website = karnatakaports.org|accessdate = 2015-11-22|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151122215658/http://karnatakaports.org/?page_id=99|archive-date = 22 November 2015|url-status = dead}} Government of Karnataka has planned to improve it under Public-Private partnership.{{Cite web|title = 5 ports in Karnataka will be developed under PPP mode: Minister of ports - The Times of India|url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/5-ports-in-Karnataka-will-be-developed-under-PPP-mode-Minister-of-ports/articleshow/42918279.cms|website = The Times of India|accessdate = 2015-11-22}} Justice Santosh Hegde, the then Lokayukta of Karnataka, is also reported to have expressed his concerns over the illegal activities.{{Cite web|title = Belekeri port was anchor point for irregularities|url = http://www.deccanherald.com/content/179761/belekeri-port-anchor-point-irregularities.html|website = Deccan Herald|accessdate = 2015-11-22}}
Environmental issues
The export activity caused sufferings to over 3500 people.{{Cite web|title = Another side of Belekeri port|url = http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/article162696.ece|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151123002413/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/article162696.ece|url-status = dead|archive-date = 23 November 2015|website = The New Indian Express|accessdate = 2015-11-22}} Fishermen have also expressed concerns over damages to their fishing activities.{{Cite web|title = Karnataka bans export of iron ore to check illegal mining|url = http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/karnataka-bans-export-of-iron-ore-to-check-illegal-mining-425473|website = NDTV.com|accessdate = 2015-11-22}} But, pressures to start the mining and ore-exporting are on the rise in Karnataka.