In an unprecedented transfer linking company management selections to environmental well being considerations, Mr. Rajkumar Bafna, President-Finance of Akums Medicine and Prescribed drugs Ltd, has tendered his resignation, efficient 31 December 2025, citing the continued Delhi air pollution disaster as the first purpose. The firm confirmed acceptance of his resignation and mentioned Bafna will probably be formally relieved of his duties on the finish of this yr.
In a December 3 inside e-mail — later shared with the corporate’s administration — Bafna wrote that because of the persistently hazardous air high quality in Delhi, he was stepping down from his function and requested an expedited transition. Akums responded with remorse for shedding an skilled finance chief, however acknowledged Bafna’s considerations, significantly round well being dangers related to deteriorating air high quality.
The regulatory submitting submitted to the Nationwide Inventory Trade and BSE reaffirmed that Bafna’s resignation was as a consequence of private causes.
Delhi’s air air pollution state of affairs
On the time of publication, Delhi’s Air High quality Index (AQI) stays dangerously excessive, with real-time readings at instances exceeding 390-400, ranges categorised as Very Poor to Extreme and Hazardous for human well being.
Dense smog continues to blanket town, decreasing visibility, worsening respiratory issues, and prompting authorities to take care of stringent Graded Response Motion Plan (GRAP) measures. Neighboring components of the NCR, together with Ghaziabad and Noida, have additionally reported extreme AQI ranges above 400, underscoring that the air pollution disaster extends past Delhi’s metropolis limits.
Regardless of occasional short-term aid in some pockets, meteorologists and surroundings planners warn that the winter season, stagnant winds, crop-burning in surrounding states, and elevated particulate matter all mix to maintain air pollution ranges excessive effectively into early 2026.
What poor AQI does to your physique
Air air pollution is greater than only a nuisance — it immediately impacts human well being, particularly when AQI breaches the “Unhealthy” threshold. Based on world well being information:
- Superb particulate matter (PM2.5) can penetrate deep into the lungs, decreasing lung operate, triggering bronchial asthma, bronchitis, and exacerbating persistent respiratory illnesses.
- Quick-term exposures could cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, complications, and fatigue.
- Lengthy-term inhalation of polluted air will increase the chance of coronary heart illness, stroke, persistent obstructive pulmonary illness (COPD), lung most cancers, and untimely dying.
- Weak teams — together with youngsters, the aged, and people with preexisting situations — face heightened threat even at decrease publicity ranges.
Specialists additionally spotlight rising proof exhibiting air pollution’s impression on immune operate, cognitive well being, and start outcomes, additional broadening the general public well being stakes tied to extended publicity.
Well being warnings amid poor AQI
With AQI values steadily surpassing the 300 mark — a stage at which critical well being results are widespread — well being authorities advise the general public to:
- Keep away from out of doors train and extended out of doors publicity particularly throughout early morning and nighttime smog peaks.
- Use air purifiers and N95-grade masks to cut back inhalation of fantastic particles.
- Hold home windows and doorways closed at house to restrict indoor air pollution penetration.
Medical professionals are significantly alarmed about days with “Very Poor” and “Extreme” AQI, warning that even wholesome people might start to expertise critical respiratory and cardiovascular signs. Quick-term publicity can set off bronchial asthma assaults, irregular coronary heart rhythms, and elevated hospital visits, whereas cumulative publicity over years compounds persistent illness threat.
This is among the uncommon events in India’s company historical past the place environmental situations have immediately influenced a key government’s determination to step down, highlighting the gravity of the air air pollution problem confronting Delhi and its workforce. Bafna’s resignation serves as each a company milestone and a stark reminder: environmental degradation is not only a coverage challenge, however one with actual private {and professional} penalties.
