A continuous research is going to synthesize the novel adsorbents for removal of toxic metal ions having high sorption capacity along with non-toxic and biodegradable nature. Ionic impurities have been removed in many ways. However, hydrogels with high sorption capacity, high functionality, hydrophilicity, regeneration and nontoxicity have made them a good contender for the removal of various aquatic pollutants, including heavy metal ions. Moreover, certain modifications in synthesis of hydrogels, to customize them in response to different stimuli like temperature, pH and ionic strength, has added an advantage in waste water treatment. The present review provides recent progress in the synthesis of the hydrogels for waste water treatment and insight into increase in selectivity, efficiency and reusability of hydrogels.