Seemapuri, a place on the periphery of Delhi, is vividly described by the writer in Chapter 2 of the NCERT textbook "Lost Spring" in detail. The writer provides a comprehensive account of the living conditions and socio-economic aspects of the area, highlighting the struggles, poverty, and deprivation faced by its inhabitants.


Seemapuri is described as a slum settlement located on the outskirts of Delhi. It is inhabited by people who migrated from the rural areas of Bihar, Bengal, and other states in search of livelihood and opportunities. The area is densely populated, with narrow lanes and shanty dwellings.


The writer describes the living conditions in Seemapuri as extremely poor and deplorable. The houses are constructed from makeshift materials like tin, plastic, and cardboard, lacking basic amenities such as proper sanitation, clean water supply, and electricity. The residents live in cramped spaces, often with multiple family members sharing a single small room.


The writer highlights the occupational scenario in Seemapuri, where the majority of people work as ragpickers, collecting and segregating garbage from the nearby landfill. Children as young as five years old are engaged in this hazardous work, as their families rely on their meager earnings for survival. The work is physically demanding, exposes them to health risks, and denies them any opportunity for education or a better future.


Seemapuri is portrayed as a place of extreme poverty and deprivation. The residents struggle to make ends meet, living in abject poverty with little access to healthcare, education, or other essential services. The writer emphasizes the lack of government support and attention towards the upliftment of this marginalized community.


Despite the challenging circumstances, the writer also highlights the resilience and determination of the people in Seemapuri. They find ways to survive and support each other, clinging onto hope for a better future.

Overall, the writer's description of Seemapuri in "Lost Spring" provides a poignant portrayal of the harsh realities faced by the inhabitants of this slum settlement on the periphery of Delhi. The vivid depiction of their living conditions, struggles, and aspirations serves as a wake-up call to the societal and systemic issues that need to be addressed for the betterment of such marginalized communities.