A comprehensive review of navigating urbanization induced climate change complexities for sustainable groundwater resources management in the Indian subcontinent

Urbanization in the Indian subcontinental countries, often unplanned, alters regional climate, triggering critical environmental challenges. This review examines its impacts on groundwater droughts, flood risks, urban heat islands, agriculture, food security, and public health. Groundwater resources across the subcontinent faced depletion due to intricate links between land-use changes and anthropogenic activities. Research from various geographical areas highlights the critical need for integrated, sustainable, locally appropriate solutions and decentralized approaches to water management. Flood risks were increased by urbanization and industrialization, necessitating the implementation of efficient mitigation techniques based on hydrological modeling and spatial planning. The growing Urban Heat Island effect put ecosystems and human health at risk, making extensive afforestation and sustainable land-use planning necessary. Food security and biodiversity were threatened by encroaching agricultural lands, necessitating climate-smart conservation and agricultural methods. This review also emphasizes how urbanization has complex implications on public health, with varying effects on respiratory ailments, air pollution, and mental health among various socioeconomic groups, necessitating comprehensive public health measures for fair access to healthcare and healthy surroundings. The study concludes by outlining diverse adaptation and mitigation strategies and future research opportunities tailored to specific challenges. These insights empower policymakers and urban planners to navigate the complexities of urbanization-induced climate change in the Indian subcontinent. [Display omitted] •Rapid urbanization markedly worsens groundwater droughts in the Indian subcontinent.•Afforestation can combat urban impacts significantly ensuring resource sustainability.•Machine learning and big data can enhance flood and drought forecasts.•Hydrodynamic models can aid city-level analysis but need catchment enhancements.•Study urges integrated urban mitigation for enhanced groundwater sustainability.