To create a better image in the reader's mind. The use of imagery creates a better picture when the reader imagines the setting. Since when reading everyone thinks of a different picture imagery helps to create a picture closer to what the author imagined.
While Manoj is intelligent, I am less intelligent.
The people in the bus may well be reporters, because of the pictures, and I doubt they are students or scientists, as then they would respect the animals, but they could also be hunters because of their coldness towards the lions.
Sorry about how late I was (3 years!!!), but just trying to answer all I can
