RAJKOT: Lions sightings on the island of Diu have become more frequent, particularly in forested parts of the Union territory. On Sunday evening, a lion was seen lounging close to the airport by the corner of the main road to the famous Nagoa beach. Passersby were surprised to see the feline resting in the bushes by the roadside, within 1km of Diu airport, reports Nimesh Khakhariya.
Diu airport is also called Nagoa airport as it is near Nagoa Beach. The forest department confirmed that the lion had come between 500m and 1,000m from the airport around 6pm Sunday. Stray dogs began barking as the big cat emerged from the bushes, drawing people’s attention. Traffic on Nagoa Road halted as people stopped vehicles to catch a glimpse of the lion and shoot videos.
Diu deputy conservator of forests Harshraj Wathore said, “There is a forested area behind the airport with coconut, prosopis and lantana vegetation, where the lion had been seen earlier. This time it emerged from the bushes and was sitting in plain view in broad daylight. Foresters dispersed the people and drove the lion towards the creek.”
Forest department officials continually drive lions towards Gujarat, but sightings in Diu have become very frequent.