The images of policemen recovering bombs from flyovers and trees will perhaps never fade from people’s memory in Surat. But few would know that it is the gruelling practice of the fire department officials that makes them operate the snorkel platform with such precision.

Interestingly, this proficiency is a result of the numerous bird rescue calls these officials have attended to in the pre and post-Uttrayan period, during which several birds get entangled in the cables on highrises.

Of all the cities in the state, it is only in Surat that the fire officials have developed a 'soft corner' for the injured birds and use the snorkels to save them. They do not mind moving out the huge, expensive machines (snorkels) in the city, just to save a small sparrow or pigeon.

“It is better to save a life instead of spending a huge sum on the maintenance of these machines, in case they are kept idle for a long time,”they say.

As the day breaks, the operators of six snorkels, which include the ones that can reach a minimum height of 16 metres and a maximum height of 54 metres, anxiously wait for the calls from citizens and bird rescue activists.

“There is no better reward than saving a life. We expect nothing from anyone. It is the sense of self-satisfaction that keeps us motivated,” says Vinod Patel, who manoeuvres the snorkel like a toy.

The awareness level among the citizens has increased since past four years.

He adds: “We don't just respond to a call made by animal activists, but by anyone who comes across such a problem. It is our duty and we take no time in reaching the place to rescue the bird."

Another fire official, Gambhirdan Barhat, says: “We are thankful to these birds. They indirectly helped us in operating the snorkels, which proved quite useful while removing the bombs kept on flyovers and trees last year. We attended as many as 500 bird rescue calls in 2008. We have already started getting calls this year. We feel happy that people have now become more alert and concerned towards the birds.”