The complex nature of India’s urbanization has given rise to environmental externalities of pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation. In addition, the effects of climate change, in the form of urban flooding, water scarcity, heat waves are increasingly evident, further amplifying the negative effect of urbanization. Further, a higher burden is borne by the economically disadvantaged groups making policy implementation a critical step towards not only environmental protection but social equity as well. In India, there are potent policies and laws to safeguard the environment, yet environmental quality remains one of the most critical issues of urban areas, compromising on quality of life and achievement of Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs). Using qualitative analysis methodology, the authors perform in-depth reviews of policy documents, published scholarly literature and popular media content. The authors critique the implementation process and the success or failure of relevant environmental policies in the Indian cities of Delhi, Bengaluru and Bhubaneshwar through case studies focusing on one specific environmental issue in each of these cities, in the context of diversity of elements such as land use and activities, infrastructure, green and blue spaces etc. in the urban ecosystem. The case studies have been viewed through the social, economic, technical and legal lens, further shedding light on the interlinkages between urban complexity and policy implementation. Based on critical policy analysis and need-gap identification, the paper summarizes a few recommendations towards tackling urban environmental challenges and resource management considering urban complexity.