The ongoing pollution crisis in the national capital has triggered a rare corporate exit that underscores the severity of the environmental challenge facing businesses in the region.
Rajkumar Bafna, the President of Finance at Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, has resigned from his position, explicitly naming the city’s toxic air quality as the sole reason for his departure. His resignation comes at a time when Delhi is gasping for breath, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) surging past the 400-mark to hit the severe category on Monday morning.
Bafna, who had joined the company only recently in August 2025, reportedly found it difficult to adjust to the hazardous environmental conditions after moving from Mumbai. In a direct and urgent email to the company management, he stated, “I would like to inform you that due to Delhi pollution level, I am resigning from my position as President Finance. Kindly relieve me asap.”
The company accepted his request, acknowledging the health concerns that drove the decision. In their response to his resignation, the management noted that while they regretted his decision, given his health issue, they would not be able to persuade him to stay. He is set to be relieved of his duties on December 31. This incident highlights a growing apprehension among senior professionals regarding relocation to the National Capital Region (NCR), where winter months often bring debilitating smog that poses serious health risks.
The timing of his exit mirrors the worsening conditions on the ground. On Monday, a thick blanket of smog and dense fog enveloped the city, reducing visibility to near zero in several areas. The Central Pollution Control Board reported that the overall AQI had deteriorated to 403, classified as severe, by early morning. Specific hotspots like Anand Vihar recorded even more alarming levels, reaching an AQI of 459.
The India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for dense fog, which has already wreaked havoc on transport infrastructure. Over 400 flights at the Indira Gandhi International Airport were delayed, and several were cancelled due to poor visibility. The railway network faced similar disruptions, with numerous Delhi-bound trains running hours behind schedule. In neighboring Noida, the administration ordered schools to remain closed as a precautionary measure against the biting cold and hazardous air.
This resignation serves as a stark indicator that the pollution crisis is no longer just a public health emergency but a tangible economic risk. As the city grapples with the dual blow of severe AQI and dense fog, the inability to attract and retain top talent could become a significant hurdle for corporations operating in the region. For now, the capital remains under a grey haze, with residents and businesses alike waiting for relief that seems increasingly elusive.
