- GRAP Stage 2 is triggered when the Air Quality Index (AQI) enters the 'Very Poor' category (301-400), aiming to arrest further deterioration of air quality. - Key restrictions under GRAP Stage 2 include a ban on the use of coal and firewood in hotels, restaurants, and open eateries, as well as a ban on diesel generator sets except for emergency and essential services. - Additional measures involve increased parking fees to discourage private vehicle usage, enhanced frequency of compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric buses and metro services, and strict dust mitigation measures at construction sites. - Implementation and monitoring are overseen by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in coordination with local municipal and state authorities across the NCR. - **Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP):** A dynamic, emergency-response framework activated in Delhi-NCR to combat air pollution by enforcing staged restrictions based on worsening Air Quality Index (AQI) thresholds. - **Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM):** A statutory body established to coordinate, monitor, and regulate air quality management strategies across Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas, replacing fragmented administrative committees. - **National Clean Air Programme (NCAP):** India's flagship national strategy launched by MoEFCC to reduce particulate matter pollution across targeted non-attainment cities through comprehensive multi-sectoral interventions. - **Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB):** A statutory apex organization under the Water and Air Acts responsible for planning pollution standards, monitoring air/water quality, and advising the central government. **Introduction** The article outlines the specific restrictions, bans, and allowed activities under Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) implemented in Delhi-NCR as air quality plummets to the 'Very Poor' category. GRAP Stage 2 focuses on curbing localized pollution sources such as diesel generator usage, coal and firewood burning in eateries, and vehicular emissions through enhanced public transport services and higher parking fees, serving as a critical operational framework for urban environmental governance. **Core Issue and Detailed Points** - GRAP Stage 2 is triggered when the Air Quality Index (AQI) enters the 'Very Poor' category (301-400), aiming to arrest further deterioration of air quality. - Key restrictions under GRAP Stage 2 include a ban on the use of coal and firewood in hotels, restaurants, and open eateries, as well as a ban on diesel generator sets except for emergency and essential services. - Additional measures involve increased parking fees to discourage private vehicle usage, enhanced frequency of compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric buses and metro services, and strict dust mitigation measures at construction sites. - Implementation and monitoring are overseen by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in coordination with local municipal and state authorities across the NCR. **Key Statutory Bodies, Acts & Concepts** - **Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP):** A dynamic, emergency-response framework activated in Delhi-NCR to combat air pollution by enforcing staged restrictions based on worsening Air Quality Index (AQI) thresholds. - **Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM):** A statutory body established to coordinate, monitor, and regulate air quality management strategies across Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas, replacing fragmented administrative committees. - **National Clean Air Programme (NCAP):** India's flagship national strategy launched by MoEFCC to reduce particulate matter pollution across targeted non-attainment cities through comprehensive multi-sectoral interventions. - **Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB):** A statutory apex organization under the Water and Air Acts responsible for planning pollution standards, monitoring air/water quality, and advising the central government.