Paper Title
“Optimization of Hydropower Development Strategies in Nepal’s River Basins – A Study”

Abstract
The paper discusses the hydropower development strategies within Nepal's river basins, focusing on the balances between energy production, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. A review of the literature and analysis of secondary data were done to establish the status of hydropower, theoretically pegged at over 83,000 MW but realizing only 2,800 MW to date. Key findings of the study reveal huge gaps in policy implementation, environmental safeguards, and socio-economic impacts, particularly within rural communities. Insufficient technological and infrastructural development, besides erratic governance, hampers holistic development in hydropower. This study has used SWOT analysis and policy review methods to assess these challenges and has come up with strategic solutions in the form of targeted investments in infrastructure, advanced technologies, and policy reforms. Thus, the research concludes that although Nepal has huge hydropower potential, the identified deficiencies must be addressed for sustainable development. Further research in this area should therefore focus more on long-term socio-economic impacts and effectiveness of governance, with more primary data collection reflecting ground realities and dynamics within the local communities. The present study makes valuable contributions by bringing policy insights into perspective for the betterment of hydropower strategy to attain greater objectives of energy security, economic development, and environmental conservation in Nepal. Keywords - Hydropower Development in Nepal, Sustainable Energy Strategies, SWOT Analysis in Hydropower, Energy-Economic-Environmental Balance, Policy Implementation Challenges.