On Sunday, 28 December 2025, Rajkumar Bafna, the finance head of Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, formally tendered his resignation. He cited the severe pollution in the national capital — where the Air Quality Index (AQI) had crossed the 400 mark — as the reason for stepping down.
Resignation against a backdrop of hazardous air
An AQI above 400 falls in the “hazardous” category and is associated with serious health risks for the general population. For an executive who typically balances demanding work responsibilities with family and health concerns, prolonged exposure to such conditions can become a deciding factor in life and career choices.
What an AQI of 400+ means for people and workplaces
- Health impact: Exposure to extremely poor air quality can aggravate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions and increase the risk of other long-term health problems.
- Daily disruption: Schools may close, commutes become uncomfortable, and outdoor work or meetings are curtailed — all of which affect business routines and personal life.
- Talent considerations: Senior executives and specialized talent increasingly weigh air quality and city livability when deciding where to live and work.
Business and governance implications
The resignation of a finance head is notable for any company. Finance leaders play a central role in planning, reporting and investor relations, so an abrupt departure raises immediate questions about succession and continuity.
Key matters boards and management will likely focus on include:
- Ensuring a clear interim finance leadership plan to maintain financial operations and reporting timelines.
- Communicating promptly and transparently with stakeholders to avoid speculation and reassure investors and employees.
- Reviewing talent and risk-management policies if environmental conditions are affecting senior staff retention.
Why pollution is becoming a corporate talent issue
Urban air pollution is no longer only a public-health concern; it is increasingly a factor in corporate human-resources strategy. Executives, especially those in senior roles, consider long-term wellbeing, family needs and the ability to do business without health-related interruptions.
Remote work, flexible schedules, and geographical mobility are now tools companies use to retain key people who might otherwise relocate or resign because of poor local air quality.
Practical steps companies can take
Firms that face similar risks can take several practical steps to reduce disruption and support staff:
- Implement and communicate clear succession and interim leadership plans.
- Offer flexible or permanent remote-work options when air quality deteriorates.
- Provide health and relocation support, including air-purification solutions for offices and homes.
- Strengthen ESG commitments and advocate for cleaner urban policies as part of corporate responsibility.
Looking ahead
This resignation highlights how environmental factors are beginning to intersect directly with corporate leadership and governance decisions. Companies operating in cities with persistent air-quality challenges will need to consider employee health and retention as part of strategic and risk planning. For investors and boards, this means factoring environmental livability into talent strategy and business continuity plans.