When the air itself becomes unbreathable, even the strongest careers can feel lighter than a lungful of smog.
Rajkumar Bafna, President of Finance at Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, has resigned from his position, citing Delhi’s severe air pollution as the primary reason for his decision. The resignation, considered unusual in India’s corporate landscape, underscores the growing personal and professional impact of the capital’s deteriorating air quality.
Finance Chief Steps Down, Citing Health Impact of Delhi’s Air
According to a regulatory filing reported by NDTV Profit, Bafna submitted his resignation on December 3, clearly attributing it to the city’s pollution levels. His exit was formally accepted on December 12, and his last working day has been set as December 31, 2025. In his resignation email addressed to Chief Financial Officer Sumeet Sood, Bafna wrote that Delhi’s pollution had compelled him to step down and requested an early release, while offering support during the transition period.
Responding to the message, Sood acknowledged the resignation and expressed regret, noting that the company would not attempt to persuade Bafna to stay given the health concerns involved. A senior company official later confirmed that Bafna, who had recently relocated from Mumbai, began experiencing persistent coughing and respiratory discomfort, conditions that worsened due to Delhi’s hazardous air quality.
Severe Smog Frames an Unusual Corporate Resignation
Bafna had joined Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals on August 8, 2025, taking on the role of President of Finance. Prior to this, he spent four years with Heranba Industries as a key executive before stepping down on June 30, 2025. His decision to resign over environmental conditions is being viewed as a rare and telling moment in Indian corporate history.
At the time of his resignation, Delhi’s Air Quality Index had been hovering around 460, placing it firmly in the “severe” to “hazardous” category. On Monday morning, the city woke to dense smog, with an AQI reading of 402 at 7 am. Data showed that 25 out of 40 monitoring stations reported “severe” pollution levels.
Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to such conditions increases the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular ailments, along with mental health issues. Citizens are advised to limit outdoor activity, use air purifiers, and wear protective masks during peak pollution hours.
In a city where the skyline fades into haze, one resignation stands as a stark reminder that clean air is not a luxury, but a necessity.
Summary
Akums Drugs finance president Rajkumar Bafna resigned citing Delhi’s severe air pollution, marking a rare corporate exit due to environmental reasons. The city’s AQI has remained in the “severe” range, affecting health and daily life. His resignation highlights the growing professional and personal costs of worsening air quality in the capital.
