Cuttack: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has informed Orissa High Court that conservation and repair of the minor shrines on the Jagannath temple premises in Puri are being taken in order of "top priority".

On May 15, the high court directed the ASI to give the current status of repair of the periphery temples, which required immediate attention.

The ASI was expected to submit the status report on minor shrines in affidavit form on July 5.

In his affidavit, ASI (Bhubaneswar circle) superintending archaeologist H.A. Naik said: "The work of conservation and repair of periphery shrines has been undertaken on top priority in six small shrines."

According to the ASI, at least 13 minor shrines on the temple premises "require immediate attention".

The list of 13 temples "in order of priority for attending essential conservation work depending upon their structural conditions" included Jalakrida Mandap, Muktimandap, including Juhulana mandap, Maa Sarbamangala Temple, Adi Narsingh Temple, Maa Mahalakshmi Temple, Surya Temple, Pataleswar Temple, Baikuntheswar Temple, Maa Annapurna Temple, Ram Temple, Barabhay Hanuman Temple, Singha Dwar, Western gate and Protihari Nijog - Radhakrushna Temple.

Naik submitted that "repairing works of the Maa Sarbamangala Temple on western side have been completed in all respect".

"Taking note of the affidavit, the division bench of Chief Justice Vineet Saran and Justice B.R. Sarangi on Thursday posted the matter to July 30 for further monitoring of progress of repair work of the minor shrines," central government counsel Chandrakanta Pradhan said.

Pradhan said the court also expected the ASI to inspect the Gundicha Temple by its officials and engineers and submit a report as to what conservation and repair are needed, along with the progress report on repair work of the minor shrines on that date.

In his affidavit, Naik further submitted that apart from the repair work undertaken on minor shrines, major works of Meghanada prachir (outer compound wall) was taken up and nearing completion on the southern and eastern sides.