The party's criticism comes as a massive landslide on Tuesday morning caused significant damage to the Teesta Stage V hydroelectric project, a 510 MW facility on the Teesta River in East Sikkim.

CM Banerjee's proposal, made during a Niti Aayog meeting in Delhi on Saturday, comes at a crucial time when New Delhi is actively engaging Bangladesh with offers to renew the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty and initiate a conservation plan for the Teesta.

Hasina's remarks followed her recent visit to India, which she described as highly productive, highlighting its role in strengthening bilateral relations and exploring new avenues of cooperation.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee expressed anguish for not being included in the discussions with Bangladesh. However, the Centre has rebuffed her claims of not being consulted over the issue.

Officials from the Irrigation Department have indicated that dredging the Teesta basin is crucial to address breaches in the river spurs—extensions of embankments designed to protect vulnerable riverbanks.

In West Bengal where the Ganges flows into Bangladesh is instrumental in ensuring that water diverts into the Hooghly River. It is critical for the functioning of the Kolkata Port and meets the water needs of urban settlements along the Hooghly-Bhagirathi river, including Kolkata.

The release of water from the barrages has resulted in rising the water level of the Teesta and because of that there is a threat of flood in areas on both sides of Teesta in Jalpaiguri district, an official of the irrigation department said.

The deluge, exacerbated by incessant rain on Wednesday night, has led to severe disruption in regions such as Teesta Bazar and Geil Khola, with roads submerged and houses at the riverbank in peril.

Authorities, including Block Development Officers (BDOs), Municipal Executive Officers (MEOs), and Station House Officers (SHOs), have been put on high alert to monitor the rising water levels closely.