Urban development and water bodies in Indian cities: a systematic review of reciprocal relationships

ABSTRACT Water is the most crucial component of urban life. It has been the foundation of socio-economic progress for the population. However, urbanization is reshaping the water scenarios in Indian cities, exerting huge pressure on urban water bodies, supply systems, and governance mechanisms. With increasing population and climate vulnerabilities, the interdependencies between the availability of water, infrastructure, and socio-political dynamics have become increasingly complex. This study adopted a systematic literature review approach, following PRISMA guidelines with a five-phase framework, to examine and understand the interrelationship between water, water bodies, and urban development in Indian cities. The review identified various thematic clusters around which the pertaining literature revolves, highlighting the diversity of urban water challenges in Indian cities. The findings highlighted various impacts of urbanization, issues such as inefficient supply, informal markets, governance, the potential of decentralized wastewater reuse systems, and the urgent need for sustainable and climate-resilient water strategies. The review highlighted several gaps, including the underrepresentation of smaller cities in the research. This research focused on context-specific synthesis of urban water literature exclusively within Indian cities, a domain that is often overshadowed by broader global reviews.