Environmentalists have alleged widespread destruction of mangrove forests near Kochi city. Mangroves along the Container Road linking Kalamassery to the Vallarpadam Island have been severely affected. There have also been instances of burning of mangrove forests near Maradu, said State convenor of the National Alliance of People’s Movement, V.D. Majeendran. He said personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department had to be called in to put out a fire that spread through mangrove forests near the Container Road in early February. M.N. Giri of Kerala Grama Swaraj Foundation said the burning of mangroves was being carried out to allow reclamation of land by the side of the Container Road. He said such activities would affect fisheries resources in the backwaters on both sides of the road. Complaint submitted Mr. Majeendran said they had submitted a complaint to the district authorities regarding the incidents. The activists said the mangroves along the Container Road were some of the last reserves of forests near the city. They said the mangroves were the protective layer for coastal areas and the forests had to be protected.