Delhi AQI crisis: Akums President-Finance Rajkumar Bafna resigns over health concerns

In an unprecedented move linking corporate leadership decisions to environmental health concerns, Mr. Rajkumar Bafna, President–Finance of Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Ltd, has tendered his resignation, effective 31 December 2025, citing the ongoing Delhi pollution crisis as the primary reason. The company confirmed acceptance of his resignation and said Mr. Bafna will be formally relieved of his duties at the end of this year.  

In a December 3 internal email — later shared with the company’s management — Bafna wrote that due to the persistently hazardous air quality in Delhi, he was stepping down from his role and requested an expedited transition. Akums responded with regret for losing an experienced finance leader, but acknowledged Bafna’s concerns, particularly around health risks associated with deteriorating air quality.  

The regulatory filing submitted to the National Stock Exchange and BSE reaffirmed that Bafna’s resignation was due to personal reasons.  

Delhi’s air pollution situation 

At the time of publication, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) remains dangerously high, with real-time readings at times exceeding 390-400, levels classified as Very Poor to Severe and Hazardous for human health. 

Dense smog continues to blanket the city, reducing visibility, worsening respiratory problems, and prompting authorities to maintain stringent Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) measures. Neighboring parts of the NCR, including Ghaziabad and Noida, have also reported severe AQI levels above 400, underscoring that the pollution crisis extends beyond Delhi’s city limits. 

Despite occasional short-term relief in some pockets, meteorologists and environment planners warn that the winter season, stagnant winds, crop-burning in surrounding states, and increased particulate matter all combine to keep pollution levels high well into early 2026.  

What poor AQI does to your body   

Air pollution is more than just a nuisance — it directly affects human health, especially when AQI breaches the “Unhealthy” threshold. According to global health data:  

• Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can penetrate deep into the lungs, reducing lung function, triggering asthma, bronchitis, and exacerbating chronic respiratory diseases. 
• Short-term exposures can cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, headaches, and fatigue. 
• Long-term inhalation of polluted air increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and premature death. 
• Vulnerable groups — including children, the elderly, and those with preexisting conditions — face heightened risk even at lower exposure levels. 

Experts also highlight emerging evidence showing pollution’s impact on immune function, cognitive health, and birth outcomes, further broadening the public health stakes tied to prolonged exposure. 

Health warnings amid poor AQI  

With AQI values frequently surpassing the 300 mark — a level at which serious health effects are common — health authorities advise the public to:  

1. Avoid outdoor exercise and prolonged outdoor exposure especially during early morning and nighttime smog peaks. 
2. Use air purifiers and N95-grade masks to reduce inhalation of fine particles. 
3. Keep windows and doors closed at home to limit indoor pollution penetration. 

Medical professionals are particularly alarmed about days with “Very Poor” and “Severe” AQI, warning that even healthy individuals may begin to experience serious respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms. Short-term exposure can trigger asthma attacks, irregular heart rhythms, and increased hospital visits, while cumulative exposure over years compounds chronic disease risk. 

This is one of the rare occasions in India’s corporate history where environmental conditions have directly influenced a key executive’s decision to step down, highlighting the gravity of the air pollution challenge confronting Delhi and its workforce. Bafna’s resignation serves as both a corporate milestone and a stark reminder: environmental degradation is no longer just a policy issue, but one with real personal and professional consequences.