Shimla, Feb 18 (IANS): The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is carrying out a survey for the restoration and conservation of the ancient Lakshmi Narayan temples in Himachal Pradesh's Chamba town, the state assembly was told Tuesday.

"An estimate is under scrutiny to carry out the repair of Lakshmi Narayan group of temples," Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said in a written reply.

For the current year, a budgetary provision of Rs.500,000 has been made.

He said 13 temples in Chamba district are of national importance and fall under the ASI purview.

The state has 28 government-controlled Hindu temples under the Himachal Pradesh Hindu Public Religious Institution and Charitable Endowments Act, 1984.

"For the upkeep and maintenance of the temples, the government has formed the trusts that are headed by the area deputy commissioner. Even the government is providing funds," said Virbhadra Singh, who also holds a portfolio of language, art and culture.

Besides 1,000-year-old Lakshmi Narayan Temples, the 13 ASI-controlled temples include 11th century Bajreshwari temple at Bhardiath, the 17th-century Shakti Devi temple at Chhatrari, the ancient Manimahesh temple at Bharmour, the 16th-century Bansi Gopal temple in Bharmour and 7th-century Champavati Temple in Chamba.