Valmik Thapar's expertise in wildlife conservation, and his experience with the laggard and corrupt bureaucracy with which he had to work for more than 40 years helps him to both identify the problems with respect to wildlife conservation and suggest practical solutions. His command over the subject in all its aspects- environmental, legal, administrative, social, economic, political and international- makes him a rare talent whose advice only carries weight. It will be unfortunate for Wild India if those in the government and the bureaucracy do not take a leaf out of his book. Although the problems like corruption, red tapism, illegal nexuses, egoism and hunger for power among the Indian bureaucracy is known to all, Thapar sheds light on ground realities as to how these problems are bleeding India of its rich wildlife. His passion and commitment towards Wild India is visible throughout the book. And sometimes his helplessness in the face of the bureaucratic and government machinery. Thapar echoes the voice of Sam Pitroda, a technocrat and government advisor, who in his book Dreaming Big, has also highlighted in detail the pernicious effects of bureaucracy.
It is almost clear that unless qualified people with a vision and commitment steer the boat, it may go nowhere or worse, drown.
Overall, I liked the idea of the book. But, I am not sure how effective the plans and outlines mentioned in the book would prove to be, that is, if they are ever taken up for consideration. As the author himself have pointed out so many times and given elaborate examples on how corruption and negligence by officials have hindered the protection of forests and wildlife in India. And, although many non-governmental individuals and organisations are standing up to take the responsibilities to safeguard the future of our natutal resources, without governmental support the effort would not yield required, fruitful results anywhere in near future. Regardless, I commend author's effort to come up with such a detailed blueprint for much asked-for change and one can only hope that such suggestions are taken into consideration with as much enthusiasm as shown by Govt. of Rajasthan for Van Dhan Yojna.