Rajkot, June 13 (ANI): In an attempt to preserve and promote traditional mud houses which existed in the olden days of Indian civilization, an organic farmer in western Gujarat state built a 'mud house' residency using coconut wood and bamboo. Not a professional builder, but a true Gandhian at heart Shital Patel (44), constructed the state's first housing colony made purely of mud after his traditional mud house became a local tourist attraction. Planning to create an 'eco-friendly' colony on the outskirts of western Rajkot city, Patel added that the concept of mud houses has gained in popularity as these homes are well-insulated and remain cool in summers and warm in winters. The cost of making the mud homes ranges between Rs 5 lakhs to 6 lakhs approximately and it takes almost three to four months to make a mud house, which can withstand an earthquake, too. The concept has attracted the attention of many businessmen in the city who have expressed a keenness to invest in more such projects. They feel that such homes provide mental peace.Shital Patel's family has been living in a mud house since 1998 when he built a traditional mud house on his agricultural land. Each mud house also has an organic garden with drip irrigation for fruit trees, a library and a meditation hall. There