The state Cabinet here today gave its approval for the submission of memorandum to the Centre for the grant of special package of Rs 607.77 crore for the rehabilitation of the quake-hit in the Doda region. The assistance is also being sought for the restoration of public infrastructure in the districts of Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban devastated in the earthquake on May 1. The decision was taken at the Cabinet meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah here today. The state government has already sanctioned Rs 25 crore for the purpose in the erstwhile Doda district, which now comprises Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts of the Jammu region. An earthquake of 5.8 magnitude on Richter scale shook the area and other parts of North India on May 1. The quake caused heavy damage to private and public property. At least two persons died while more than 60 others got injured and over 70,000 structures were damaged across the region, affecting over 80,000 people. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who visited the area a week later, assured the people of all possible help for their rehabilitation and restoration of the infrastructure. The state government has been looking at the Central government for a relief package on the pattern of Ladakh. Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad, who belongs to the area, also visited the affected districts twice and assured the quake-hit of all possible help for their rehabilitation. Omar, during his meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday, had stressed the need for a special package similar to what was given to Ladakh, which had witnessed heavy loss to life and property in flashfloods in 2010. Special package sought • The earthquake on May 1 caused heavy damage to private and public property in the Doda region. At least two persons died and more than 60 others got injured; over 70,000 structures were damaged across the region, affecting over 80,000 people • The state government has already sanctioned Rs 25 crore for quake-hit in the erstwhile Doda district, which now comprises Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts of the Jammu region • Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, during his meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday, had sought a special package similar to what was given to Ladakh, which had witnessed flashfloods in 2010