Bhubaneswar: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has constituted a core committee to look into the issues of Ananda Bazar, the iconic dining area on the premises of Srimandir in Odisha’s Puri city.

The core committee has 11 members comprising representatives from Suar-Mahasuar Nijog of the shrine, Srimandir Managing Committee, SJTA and local police, sources said.

Members of Suar-Mahasuar Nijog, who have been entrusted with the responsibilities of cooking and selling Mahaprasad (Abadha) on the shrine premises, had earlier urged the SJTA to introduce appropriate measures to address various issues of Ananda Bazar and ensure discipline at the dining space.

They had urged the SJTA to identify and remove unauthorized people from Ananda Bazar, display rate charts of Mahaprasad and ensure drinking water and other facilities for the devotees.

They also urged the temple administration to put up sheds at the dining area, set up a help desk for devotees and ensure cleanliness at Ananda Bazar.

The Suar-Mahasuar Nijog has urged the SJTA to make necessary arrangements for the sale of dry Prasad at the North Gate of the 12th century shrine, sources said.

“The SJTA has constituted a core committee to look into the various issues of Ananda Bazar and also the demands of Suar-Mahasuar Nijog. The panel has been asked to submit its report within seven days. The SJTA will take appropriate steps after going though the report,” said a temple official.