'Kindly relieve me ASAP': Pharma firm senior executive resigns as Delhi AQI turns 'severe'

Rajkumar Bafna, President Finance at Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Ltd, has resigned from his position, citing health concerns linked to Delhi’s pollution levels, according to an exchange filing.

In his resignation email dated December 3, Bafna said, “I would like to inform you that due to the Delhi pollution level, I am resigning from my position as President of Finance. Kindly relieve me asap.”

The company accepted his resignation and formally relieved him with effect from December 31, 2025, the filing said. In a response email, the management stated that while it regretted his decision, it accepted the request, considering his health issues.

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Delhi Air Pollution

The development comes as Delhi’s air quality worsens. On Monday, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 402 at 8 am, slipping into the ‘severe’ category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

For comparison, the capital recorded an AQI of 390 at 4 pm on December 28, which fell in the ‘very poor’ category. Several monitoring stations across the city reported AQI levels above 400 on Monday morning.

Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 455, while Bawana registered 411. Wazirpur reported 443, Rohini 442, Punjabi Bagh 426, and Patparganj 431, all falling in the ‘severe’ category, CPCB data showed.

Some locations reported comparatively lower pollution levels but continued to remain in the ‘very poor’ category. Dwarka Sector 8 recorded an AQI of 400. IGI Airport Terminal 3 reported 318, IIT Delhi 358, and Najafgarh 353.

Dense fog also covered several parts of the national capital, reducing visibility during morning hours. Motorists were seen driving with headlights on. Foggy conditions were reported from Anand Vihar, Dhaula Kuan, Akshardham, Dwarka, and Kartavya Path.

Enforcement Actions Stepped Up

Meanwhile, the Delhi Transport Department intensified enforcement actions to curb vehicular pollution. According to an official release, around 28 goods-carrying buses, including interstate vehicles, were impounded recently. About 100 buses have been impounded so far this month for violating pollution norms.

During the period, 4,927 vehicles were inspected. As many as 2,390 challans were issued by Delhi Traffic Police for Pollution Under Control Certificate violations, while 285 challans were issued by Transport Enforcement teams. Another 1,114 challans were issued through ANPR cameras.

In addition, 11 vehicles were penalised for GRAP violations by the Transport Department, while Delhi Traffic Police issued 170 GRAP-related challans. A total of 238 vehicles were released after compliance.

Action was also taken against erring PUC centres. Around 28 centres were suspended, two were cancelled, and proceedings were initiated against two others.